Pemupukan N.P.K.Ca.Mg Berimbang Untuk Meningkatkan Hasil Kakao (Theobroma cacao L) Klon Tsh 858

Abstract

Cocoa productivity and its quality are still low, nationally it is on the average of 834 kg ha-1, and in small holder’s plantations it is about 497 kg ha-1 (lower than potential 2 tons ha-1). This is mainly caused by its simple management, especially in fertilization. In order to increase its productivity through fertilization, it is necessary to be tested by using N.P.K.Ca.Mg fertilizer with balanced formula and dosage. Its heavy pruning should be followed by fertilization in order to get the development of leaves, flowers, pods, and the intended production. Balanced fertilization is a combined fertilizer and balanced fertilization with the proportion which in line with what is need by the plants. Balanced N.P.K.Ca.Mg fertilization is based on plant dried materials, harvest, and some other guidelines for fertilization. Composition of plant dried materials (> 39 months of age) is N.P.K.Ca.Mg of 438:48:633:374:129 kg ha-1 respectively. Composition of harvest in one ton of dried pods and 1,4 tons of dried husk is N.P.K.Ca.Mg of 36,6 : 6,2 : 61,2 : 7,2 : 6,3 respectively. Balanced fertilization is based on the principle of preventing nutrient deficiency, soil nutrient deficiency, soil nutrient balancing, and nutrient transportation because of harvest or of other causes

Produktivitas kakao dan kualitasnya masih rendah, rata-rata secara nasional 834 kg ha-1 dan pada perkebunan rakyat sekitar 497 kg ha-1 (di bawah potensi 2 ton ha-1). Rendahnya produktivitas dan mutu hasil disebabkan pengelolaannya masih sederhana, diantaranya pemupukan belum terlaksana dengan baik. Dalam upaya meningkatkan hasil kakao melalui pemupukan, perlu diuji formula dan dosis pupuk N.P.K.Ca.Mg berimbang. Pemangkasan berat terhadap kakao perlu dibarengi dengan tindakan pemupukan untuk mendapatkan perkembangan daun, bunga, buah dan produksi yang diinginkan. Pemupukan berimbang merupakan kombinasi pupuk (combined fertilizer) dan keseimbangan hara (balanced fertilization) dengan proporsi sesuai kebutuhan tanaman. Pemupukan N.P.K.Ca.Mg berimbang didasarkan pada komposisi bahan kering tanaman, hasil panen dan beberapa pedoman pemupukan. Komposisi bahan kering tanaman (umur >39 bulan) adalah masing-masing N.P.K.Ca.Mg 438 : 48 : 633 : 374 : 129 kg ha-1. Komposisi hasil panen 1 ton biji kakao kering dan 1,4 ton kulit buah kering adalah masing-masing N.P.K.Ca.Mg 36,6 : 6,2 : 61,2 : 7,2 : 6,3 kg. Pendekatan pemupukan berimbang didasarkan pada prinsip pencegahan defisiensi hara, keseimbangan hara tanah, dan pengangkutan hara karena panen atau sebab yang lain.