Effect of Jengkol Husk Bokashi and NPK Fertilizer on the Growth and Yield of Red Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)

Abstract

Red okra cultivation in Indonesia remains relatively limited, accompanied by limited public awareness of its health benefits and potential food-processing applications. This condition presents opportunities for the further development and commercialization of red okra, particularly in Riau Province. Therefore, optimizing production requires the application of appropriate cultivation practices, including the combined use of organic and inorganic fertilizers such as jengkol husk bokashi and NPK fertilizer. The aim of this research was to determine the interaction of jengkol husk bokashi and NPK 15:15:15 fertilizer on the growth and yield of red okra. This study used a Factorial Completely Randomized Design consisting of two factors. The first factor was the dose of jengkol husk bokashi with four levels: 0, 1, 2, and 3 kg/plot. The second factor was NPK 15:15:15 fertilizer with four levels: 0, 5, 10, and 15 g/plant. The parameters observed included plant height, flowering day, harvesting day, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight per plant, fruit weight per fruit, and number of remaining fruits. The observation data was analysed using analysis of variance and Honestly Significant Difference test at a 5% level. The results showed that the interaction between jengkol husk bokashi and NPK 15:15:15 fertilizer showed a significant effect on plant height, days to flowering, days to harvest, fruit weight per plant, fruit weight per fruit, and the number of remaining fruits. The best treatment combination was obtained with the application of 3 kg/plot of jengkol husk bokashi and 15 g/plant of NPK 15:15:15.