Interactive Effects of a Fermented Organic Extract (Eco-Enzyme) and Balanced Organic Substrate on Growth and Flowering of Geranium (Pelargonium hortorum)
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1
Magister Program of Agronomy, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Brawijaya, Veteran Street No 1, 65145, Malang city, East Java, Indonesia
2
Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Brawijaya, Veteran Street No 1, 65145, Malang city, East Java, Indonesia
Corresponding author
Masdalifa Ula
Magister Program of Agronomy, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Brawijaya, Veteran Street No 1, 65145, Malang city, East Java, Indonesia
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ABSTRACT
Container-grown geranium may experience delayed flowering with leaf chlorosis due to limited nutrient supply in growing medium and high carbon-to-nitrogen ratio. It may be beneficial for both growth and ornamental performance to optimize substrate composition and apply biostimulants. In the present work, we assess how the effect of eco-enzyme level and organic growing media preparation on geranium growth and flowering was interactive. The factorial randomized block design evaluated three concentrations of eco-enzyme (0, 15 and 30 mL L-1) and three media mixtures composed of cocopeat, manure, and rice husk biochar. The medium was well balanced 1:1:1, and a favorable bulk density, porosity and water-holding capacity were obtained which helped in the enhancement of proper root development as well as nutrient uptake. Application of eco-enzyme at 15–30 mL L-1 increased plant dry weight by 24.5–49.1% and flower cluster number by 31.1–59.0% in comparison to untreated plants. The 1:1:1 medium increased flower number and cluster diameter by 18.9% and 5.3% compared to the 1:1:2 formulation, respectively, and 30 mL L-1 eco-enzyme increased flower number further by 25.8%. All these improvements combined to facilitate earlier, fuller flowering and a vigour of the plant. Consequently, incorporating an eco-enzyme biostimulant application along with the optimized organic substrate is a practical and sustainable approach to increase geranium's production in addition to improving its appearance.