Agronomic Appearance of Red Calliandra Plants (Calliandra calothyrsus) in Different Locations
Abstract
Red calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus) is a leguminous tree native to Indonesia. This species can serve as a renewable alternative energy source to replace coal. Calliandra wood is highly flammable and can be utilized as biomass energy, offering a quality comparable to coal's. PT Semen Padang employs red calliandra as an alternative to coal in cement production, which results in lower carbon emissions. The company has planted calliandra in various locations throughout West Sumatra. This descriptive exploratory study employs a survey method to investigate the places where the plants grow, utilizing direct observation techniques. The three locations observed were behind the PT Semen Padang Training Center (Indarung, Lubuk Kilangan District, Padang City, West Sumatra), PT Semen Padang Mine (Indarung, Lubuk Kilangan District, Padang City, West Sumatra), and Sialangan (V Koto Timur District, Padang Pariaman Regency, West Sumatra). A total of 10 plants were sampled from each location, resulting in 30 plant samples overall. Subsequently, observations and data analysis were conducted. The characteristics observed included the morphology of stems, leaves, and flowers and a chemical analysis of the soil, which assessed pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and total potassium. The results indicated that plant age, soil nutrient availability, and environmental conditions significantly influenced* the vegetative and generative growth of *Calliandra calothyrsus*. Locations with neutral soil pH and high phosphorus content supported greater stem diameter growth, while areas with elevated organic carbon and nitrogen levels promoted enhanced leaf development. Variations in the color of stems, leaves, and flowers were closely related to plant age, light intensity, and the availability of micronutrients. In conclusion, the agronomic differences in red *Calliandra* are determined by the interaction among plant age, soil nutrient status, and growing environment, all of which are critical factors for optimizing biomass production in the future.
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