Growth Responses of Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) Seedlings to EFB-Derived Nanocompost and NPK Fertilizer Combinations in Inceptisol under Main Nursery Conditions

The utilization of oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) residues as a feedstock for nanocompost represents an innovative approach to enhance soil fertility and promote sustainable nutrient management in oil palm cultivation. This study evaluated the growth responses of oil palm seedlings grown in Inceptisol to different types of EFB-derived nanocompost (EFB only, EFB + solid decanter, and EFB + cow dung) combined with various fertilization regimes (control, 100% NPK, 100% nanocompost, 50% nanocompost + 50% NPK, and 75% nanocompost + 25% NPK). The experiment was arranged in a factorial randomized block design under main nursery conditions. Growth parameters, including plant height, stem diameter, number of leaf sheaths, leaf area, root length, fresh and dry weight of shoots and roots, were measured. Results showed that EFB-derived nanocompost significantly improved seedling growth compared to the control, and the integrated application of nanocompost and NPK outperformed single applications of either nanocompost or NPK. Among the treatments, the nanocompost EFB, which only contained 50% NPK, produced the highest fresh and dry biomass, as well as balanced shoot and root development, and enhanced nutrient availability due to the synergistic effects between organic and inorganic sources.