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Explora: Environment
and Resource Sustainable fertilization for long bean cultivation

provided an integrated approach to enhancing soil fertility
while minimizing synthetic inputs. 10,11,25 The fertilizer
application rates were predetermined according to the
experimental treatments.
2.5. Plant cultivation

Pre-germinated seeds of V. sinensis L. were transplanted
into the prepared soil at a spacing of 40 × 60 cm, with
each plot containing four plants. Transplantation was
conducted simultaneously across all experimental units to
ensure uniform growth conditions. Plants were monitored
Figure 1. Changes in soil properties following application of quail manure for 1 week post-transplantation to assess seedling
and natural phosphate (P2R2 treatment; n = 3) establishment and minimize transplant shock before
further data collection. Irrigation was provided daily to
at three levels: no application (P0), 1.5 kg/plot (P1), and maintain field capacity, and pest control was achieved using
3.0 kg/plot (P2). Natural phosphate was tested at three mancozeb fungicides (Dithane® M-45; Corteva. Indonesia)
levels: no application (R0), 12.5 g/plant (R1), and 25 g/plant and deltamethrin insecticides (Decis® 25 EC; Bayer,
(R2). Each treatment combination was replicated 3 times, Indonesia) as required. Weed management was performed
resulting in 27 experimental units, each containing four manually to ensure no competition for nutrients or space.
plants. This design ensured robust statistical analysis of The plants were monitored daily for growth and any signs
the main and interaction effects of the treatments. The of stress or disease.
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experiment was conducted over a period of 7 weeks, from
seed germination to final harvest, to capture the full growth 2.6. Measured parameters
cycle of long beans. The study assessed the impact of quail manure and

2.3. Plant materials and soil preparation natural phosphate fertilizers on the growth and yield of
long beans through a series of agronomic measurements,
The experiment utilized V. sinensis L. (variety Parade chosen to reflect both vegetative growth and reproductive
Tavi), which is well-suited to tropical climates. Soil performance. All parameters were measured from three
samples were collected from agricultural fields in Riau at sample plants per experimental unit to ensure statistical
a depth of 0 – 20 cm, homogenized, and sieved through reliability.
a 2-mm mesh to remove debris and large particles. The
soil was classified as podzolic with an initial pH of 5.2, low Flowering is a critical phenological stage in plant
organic matter (1.25%), and high aluminum saturation development, and the days to flowering were recorded as
(40%). These characteristics necessitate amendments to the number of days from planting until the first flower
improve fertility. Before planting, the soil was air-dried appeared. This parameter provides insights into the plant’s
3,24
and thoroughly mixed to ensure uniformity across all response to nutrient availability and its ability to reach
experimental units. reproductive maturity under the applied treatments. 26,27
The stem diameter, measured 1 week before harvest using
2.4. Fertilizer application a digital caliper at 5 cm above the soil surface, served as
Quail manure was air-dried, pulverized, and applied as an indicator of the plant’s structural robustness. Stem
a basal amendment 1 week before planting. The manure diameter is directly associated with the plant’s ability to
composition included 1.8% nitrogen, 0.4% phosphorus, transport water and nutrients efficiently, a key determinant
and 0.6% potassium, consistent with previous studies on of overall plant health. 28
organic amendments. Natural phosphate, containing To evaluate reproductive performance, the number
6
32% P₂O₅, was sourced locally and applied 3 days before of pods per plant was counted at the end of the harvest
planting to the soil surface, then thoroughly mixed with the period. This metric reflects the reproductive success of the
top 15 cm of soil to ensure even distribution. This timing plant, which is influenced by the nutrient supply and soil
was selected to allow for the gradual release of nutrients conditions. In addition, pod length was measured for the
29
and improve phosphorus availability at the time of seedling longest pod harvested from each plant using a measuring
establishment. Long bean seeds were sown in planting holes tape. Pod length is a vital yield component that indicates
of 3 cm depth, ensuring uniform germination and optimal the effectiveness of the treatments in promoting pod
root development. The combination of these amendments development. 30

Volume 2 Issue 1 (2025) 3 doi: 10.36922/eer.8348