Biotechnology Journal International

Good root development is essential for the success of oil palm seedlings in both the pre-nursery and nursery stages. Mineral fertilisers, although commonly used, are very expensive and often have negative impacts, such as soil and water pollution, as well as fertiliser burn and toxicity in plants. The use of organic amendments has emerged as a viable, environmentally friendly alternative. This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of four organic and mineral fertiliser treatments on the root growth of oil palm seedlings in a pre-nursery. The trial took place at the CNRA La Mé research station under natural conditions. A randomised complete block design (Fisher blocks) with four replications was employed, comprising five treatments: three organic fertiliser treatments (TTPP, TTPCD, TTPCS), an absolute control (soil only, TT), and a mineral fertiliser treatment (TTNPK₁₂₂₂₂₂). The plant material consisted of pre-nursery seedlings (15 per treatment per replication) grown in 600 individual bags, originating from germinated seeds of the C1001F category. Measurements of root growth parameters were taken at the end of the trial (fourth month). The data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). It was observed that the five treatments had an effect on the parameters studied. The four fertiliser treatments significantly outperformed the absolute control (TT). Specifically, the TTNPK, TTPP, TTPCD and TTPCS treatments—most notably TTNPK and TTPP—increased seedling root-collar circumference, with values exceeding those of the absolute control. Regarding root elongation and branching, the organic treatments (TTPP, TTPCD, and TTPCS) yielded the best statistical performance, and were more effective at promoting root growth. While all four fertilizer treatments supported root development, root elongation and branching were most enhanced by the organic treatments (TTPP, TTPCD, and TTPCS). These organic treatments may serve as alternatives to mineral fertilisers for the fertilisation of oil palm seedlings in both the pre-nursery and nursery stages.