Effects of NPK Fertilizer and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) on the Growth of Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) Seedlings

Sahru Ananda Ramadhan (Plantation Production Technology and Management, Vocational College, IPB University, Bogor, West Java, 16128, Indonesia and Testing Inspection Certification, Research and Development, Anugerah Sarana Hayati, Bogor, West Java, 16810, Indonesia)
Listyawati Indra Putri (Plantation Production Technology and Management, Vocational College, IPB University, Bogor, West Java, 16128, Indonesia)
Praditya Rizqi Novanto (Testing Inspection Certification, Research and Development, Anugerah Sarana Hayati, Bogor, West Java, 16810, Indonesia)
Fatimah Nur Istiqomah (Testing Inspection Certification, Research and Development, Anugerah Sarana Hayati, Bogor, West Java, 16810, Indonesia)
Aidil Azhar (Plantation Production Technology and Management, Vocational College, IPB University, Bogor, West Java, 16128, Indonesia)

Planta Tropika
Vol. 13 No. 2 (2025)

Nutrients in the nursery stage significantly impact the cultivation of oil palm seedlings. The study aimed   to investigate the effects of NPK fertilizer and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) on the growth of oil palm seedlings. A Randomized Complete Block Design with a single factor was employed, consisting of six treatment levels and four replications. The treatments included a control, NPK fertilizer, AMF biofertilizer, and combinations of AMF biofertilizer with varying doses of NPK fertilizer. Growth parameters were plant height, trunk diameter, frond count, dry matter weight, AMF root infection, and soil spore count. The results showed that the standard dose NPK + 30 g AMF biofertilizer exhibited the best morphological traits, which significantly affected the dry matter weight of seedlings. However, the half standard dose of NPK + 30 g AMF biofertilizer optimized growth while reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers. AMF root infections were observed in the treatments with biofertilizer. These findings indicate that the combined use of NPK fertilizer and AMF can optimize oil palm seedling growth, providing a strong foundation for improved field establishment and future productivity.