THE EFFECT OF ABIOTIC FACTOR OF NUTRIENT SOLUTION ON THE GROWTH AND HARVEST INDEX OF SPEARMINT (MENTHA SPICATA) UNDER HYDROPONICS SYSTEMS

• Main Author: Sari Mustika, Novia
• Format: Final Project
• Language: Indonesia
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/79258
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

Abiotic factors of nutrients solutions such as pH, TDS (Total Dissolved Solid), and EC (Electrical Conductivity) affect plant growth and development. Bioconversion of fruit waste by Black Soldier Fly can produce leachate which can be used as an alternative nutrients solution. Research has been carried out to analyze biological factors on the growth and harvest index of spearmint using AB Mix (ABM) and leachate (L) of watermelon waste from BSF bioconversion. A total of 7 spearmint seedlings that had been sown for 14 days were put in a netpot (4.5 cm diameter) and placed in a perforated infraboard (4.5 cm diameter) then placed in a plastic tray (L.14 cm x W.33 cm x H. 47 cm). There are five kinds of treatment, such as ABM 100%; L 100%; combinations ABM: L = 75:25 (%); ABM: L = 50:50 (%) and ABM: L = 25:75 (%) with 5 repetition. Mentha spicata cultivated in screen house (L.3 m x W.2 m x H.2,25 m) with UV rooftop. The abiotic factors observed included abiotic factors in nutrient solution (pH, TDS, and EC) and microclimate (air temperature, relative humidity, and light intensity). The results showed that there were treatments in the optimum pH and EC range for the growth of M. spicata. However, there were no treatments in the optimum TDS range. The leachate had a significant effect on pH, TDS, and EC. Air temperature and relative humidity are in the range of optimal growth conditions, but not with light intensity values. There were significant numbers of branches, fresh and dry weight of branches, fresh weight of leaves, and fresh and dry weight of roots. Weight of branches was a negative correlation with pH value but was a positive correlation with TDS and EC. Meanwhile, other growth parameters were not correlated with biological factors of nutrient solution. Treatment D (25% ABM: 75% L) produced the best number of leaves, fresh biomass of leaves, and harvest index.