THE EFFECT OF MASHITAM FERTILIZER AND COFFEE GROUNDS ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF GREEN OKRA PLANTS (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)

Abstract

Abstract: This research aims to determine the effect of mashitam fertilizer and coffee grounds, as well as the interaction between the two, on green okra plants. This study was conducted at the experimental garden of the Faculty of Agriculture at Abulyatama University in Bung Pageu Village, Blang Bintang District, Aceh Besar Regency, from November 2024 to February 2025. The design used in this study is a randomized block design with a 4×4 factorial pattern, consisting of 3 replications, which yields 16 treatment combinations and 48 experimental units. The first factor studied is mashitam fertilizer (M), consisting of 4 treatment levels: M0 = control, M1 = 1 g/polybag, M2 = 2 g/polybag, and M3 = 3 g/polybag. Meanwhile, the second factor studied is coffee grounds (K), which consists of 4 treatment levels: K0 = control, K1 = 2 g/polybag, K2 = 4 g/polybag, and K3 = 6 g/polybag. The research results show that the treatment with mashitam fertilizer has a very significant effect on the number of fruits per plant, the weight of fruits per plant, the length of fruits, and the diameter of fruits. The treatment with coffee grounds has a very significant interaction between mashitam fertilizer and coffee grounds. The best treatment is found in the combination of mashitam fertilizer and coffee grounds (M3K2), where mashitam fertilizer is used at 3 g/polybag and coffee grounds at 4 g/polybag. Keywords: Mashitam Fertilizer, Coffee Grounds, Okra