Assessing the growth performance of Hibiscus sabdariffa under different light intensity and fertilization level on bris soil.

BRIS (Beach Ridges Interspersed with Swale) soil is one type of poor soil that has many problem. Most of the crops planted on BRIS soil did not grow well because of the characteristic of BRIS soil. This study is carried out to improve the fertility of BRIS soil by the application of different light intensity and fertilization level on BRIS soil. A total of 30 roselle seeds were planted in three different treatment of BRIS soil which is BRIS soil only (T1), BRIS soil + 2g of NPK (T2) and BRIS soil + 4g of NPK (T3) under two different light intensity which is 30% and 50% of light penetration. The diameter and height of roselle were recorded every two weeks for 12 weeks. The relative growth rate (RGR) of each plant were calculated at the end of the experiment. The T3 treatment under 50% light intensity is proven the most effective for the growth performance when have the highest average for diameter with the average 0.86cm in week 12th, fresh weigh (634.33g), dried weight (128.28g) and fresh weight of roselle’s fruits (184.80g) is in this treatment. The T2 treatment in 50% light intensity shows the highest average of height in week 12th with average 78.60cm compared to T3 in 50% light intensity with average 75.20cm. T3 is most effective treatment compared to other treatment (T1 and T2) based on the result. As a conclusion, BRIS soil + 4g NPK fertiliser (T3) plays a vital role as a nutrient supplier for roselle and the 50% light intensity also affect for the growth performance of roselle.