The effect of fertilizer to growth and quality of perennial sow-thistle (Sonchus arvensis L.)

Perennial sow-thistle (Sonchus arvensis) is one of potential medicinal plants in Indonesia. Despite its wide use, the cultivation technology is not yet available. The aim of this study was to obtain suitable fertilizer dosage to get high yield and quality. The research was conducted from May to August 2013 at Sukamulya Research Installation, Sukabumi, West Java, Indonesia. The experiment was arranged in randomized block design with four replications. Seven fertilizer dosages tested were (P1) control (no fertilizer); P2) 20 t ha-1 manure; (P3) 20 t ha(-1) manure + 25 kg ha(-1) urea + 25 kg ha(-1) SP36 + 25 kg ha(-1) KCl; (P4) 20 t ha(-1) manure + 50 kg ha(-1) urea + 50 kg ha(-1) SP36 + 50 kg ha(-1) KCl; (P5) 20 t ha(-1) manure + 75 kg ha(-1) urea + 75 kg ha(-1) SP36 + 725 kg ha(-1) KCl; (P6) 20 t ha(-1) manure + 100 kg ha(-1) urea + 100 kg ha(-1) SP36 + 100 kg ha(-1) KCl; (P7) 20 t ha(-1) manure + 125 kg ha(-1) urea + 125 kg ha(-1) SP36 + 125 kg ha(-1) KCl. Parameters observed were growth, yield, nutrient uptake, phytochemical content and proximate concentration. The result revealed that perennial sow-thistle was responsive to fertilizer. Treatment P7 had highest fresh weight of leaves 34% higher than control, although the phytochemical content and proximate concentration were no different significantly among treatments. Potassium uptake was the highest among N and P for all treatments.