Growth Response of Caisim Mustard (Brassica rapa var. parachinensis) to Trichoderma sp. Induced Cocoa Pod Husk Compost in Soilless Culture System

Cocoa pod husk waste (Theobroma cacao L.) is an abundant plantation by-product that has not been optimally utilized, despite containing organic compounds such as cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and nitrogen nutrients that have potential as compost materials. The utilization of this waste can serve as an environmentally friendly organic resource to reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers. The decomposition process of cocoa pod husk can be accelerated by Trichoderma sp., which enhances organic matter degradation and increases nutrient availability. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Trichoderma sp. induced cocoa pod husk compost in a soilless culture system on the growth of mustard greens (Brassica rapa var. parachinensis). The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with six replications and four treatments P0 (2:1:2:1:0), P1 (2:1:2:1:2), P2 (2:1:2:1:3) and P3 (2:1:2:1:4), consisting of combinations of rice husk, vermicompost, leaf litter compost, cocopeat, and Trichoderma sp. induced cocoa pod husk compost. Observed parameters included vegetative growth (number of leaves, leaf area, and plant height), chlorophyll content (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll), and plant biomass (fresh weight, dry weight, and shoot to root ratio). Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan’s multiple range test at a 5% significance level. The results showed that media composition significantly affected all observed parameters, with the best treatment obtained in P3 (2:1:2:1:4), which produced the most optimal plant growth compared to the other treatments.