Growth and Yield of Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) under Shade and Liquid Organic Fertilizer of Banana Waste

Abstract

Stevia rebaudiana is a plant that can produce a natural sweetener and is used as a natural medicine. This research aims to study the growth and production of stevia plants under shade and liquid organic fertilizer from banana waste using an automated drip irrigation system. This research used a randomized complete block design (RCBD) method with a nested pattern (Nested Design) consisting of two factors. Namely, the first factor was the influence of shade consisting of two levels, namely the use of 50% shade (F1) and no shade (F2). The second factor was a liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) consisting of four concentrations, namely: 0 ml L^-1 (P1), 20 ml L^-1 (P2), 40 ml L^-1 (P3), and 60 ml L^-1 (P4). Each treatment was repeated five times so that there were 40 experimental units. Each experimental unit consists of four plant samples, so the total plant samples were 160 plants. The results showed that providing shade significantly increasing plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, number of flowers, and fresh weight of leaves. Meanwhile, giving LOF significantly increasing plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, and number of flowers. Based on research results, the best treatment for stevia cultivation is 20 ml L^-1 LOF fertilization in 50% shade.