Growth and yield of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) treated with different organic manure on alluvial soil

The productivity of radish plants can be increased using improved varieties and fertilizing the soil to increase its fertility. Using organic fertilizers can improve soil structure and increase productivity on the land. This study aimed to determine the effect of applying organic fertilizer on the growth and yield of radish on alluvial soil. The study was conducted in July-December 2021, using a randomized block design with five treatments and five replications. The treatments were types of organic fertilizers consisting of control, goat manure, chicken manure, ashes (remaining ash from burning leaves), and cow manure. Each type of organic fertilizer was applied with a dose of 6 tons ha-1. The observation shows that the application of chicken manure significantly improves both the vegetative and the generative variables of radish crops. The results of the farm analysis showed that the use of chicken manure yielded more significant benefits, with R/C values of 2.40 and a B/C ratio of 1.40. Keywords: farm analysis; productivity enhancement; soil fertilit

Responses of shallot to ameliorant and actinobacteria applications in water-saturated system on tidal land

Tidal areas are believed as future land for many commodities in Indonesia. Here, shallot growing was evaluated on tidal land supplemented with soil conditioners. The research aimed to evaluate the adaptive response of shallot varieties for growing on tidal land with a water-saturated system indicating Fe and Al stress by applying soil ameliorant and actinobacterial. The study used a completely randomized factorial design with three replications. The first factor was shallot variety (Bima Brebes, Batu Ijo, and SS Sakato) and the second factor was soil conditioners (no ameliorant, actinobacteria, ameliorant+actinobacteria, and actinobacteria+ameliorant+dolomite). Bima Brebes and Batu Ijo cultivars had the highest growth percentage, age at shoot emergence, plant height, and number of leaves, while the SS Sakato variety had the slowest growth. Shallot production variable had a significant interaction with soil conditioners. Bima Brebes variety demonstrated high suitability for a water-saturated system in tidal land, and actinobacteria+ameliorant+dolomite was a more promising conditioner than other treatments. Keywords: pyrite, saturated soil culture, tidal swamps, growth, yield, marginal land

Performance of sorghum varieties with various fertilizer doses in peatlands of West Aceh Regency:

West Aceh Regency is one of the regions in Indonesia with quite extensive peatlands, but the diversity of food crop commodities is still very low. To enhance food diversification programs of rice, sorghum production is important. The purpose of this research was to test several varieties of sorghum in the peatlands of West Aceh Regency. This research was carried out from July to November 2023. Several new varieties of sorghum released by the Indonesian Cereals Research Institute (ICERI) were evaluated in the peatland of West Aceh. The research method used a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two factors and three replications. The first factor was different varieties of sorghum, and the second factor was various doses of fertilizers. The varieties used were Soper 7 Agritan, Bioguma 1, and Suri 3. The doses used Control (no treatment), Dose I (75 kg Urea ha-1 + 50 kg SP-36 ha-1 + 50 kg KCl ha-1), Dose II (150 kg Urea ha-1 + 100 kg SP-36 ha-1 + 100 kg KCl ha-1), and Dose III (225 kg Urea ha-1 + 150 kg SP-36 ha-1 + 150 kg KCl ha-1). The results showed that the Bioguma 1 variety adapted better than the other varieties, where the plant height was 187.97 cm, the number of leaves was 15.08, the panicle diameter was 35.92 mm, and the panicle weight was 79.52 g. Meanwhile, fertilizer dose II is better on the character of the number of leaves and panicle length. The interaction effect between the two factors only showed a significant influence on panicle length. Therefore, the Bioguma 1 sorghum variety can be a recommended variety for planting in the shallow peatlands of West Aceh. Keywords: Acidic soil; alternative food; food diversificatio

The influence of nutrient concentration and hydroponic growing media on the growth and yield of pagoda mustard greens (Brassica narinosa L.)

Production of pagoda mustard greens is currently still limited, while market demand is increasing. For this reason, it is necessary to increase the yield of pagoda mustard plants through hydroponic with optimization of nutrition and media. This study aimed to determine the plant responses to the application of AB Mix nutrient concentration and growing media types, as well as the effects of their interaction on the growth and yield of pagoda mustard greens. The research was conducted in June-July 2022 at a Screen House in Ciwidey, Bandung, at an altitude of 1,200 meters above sea level. The research used a factorial completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. The first factor was the concentration of AB Mix nutrients 1,050; 1,150; and 1,250 ppm, and the second factor was the growing media rockwool, cocopeat, sponge, and rice husk charcoal. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and further tested using the Least Significant Difference (LSD) at the 5% level. The results showed that AB Mix nutrient with a concentration of 1,250 ppm or rockwool planting media was able to increase the growth and yield of pagoda mustard greens, but there was no interaction between the two treatment factors. Keywords: AB Mix nutrients; cocopeat; rice husk charcoal; rockwool; spong

Growth response of pak choi (Brassica rapa L.) on different concentrations and intervals of eco-enzyme applications

Vegetable cultivation using eco-enzyme application is one way to improve its production. The study aimed to evaluate the growth response of pak choi using eco-enzyme in several concentrations and its interval. The experiment used a randomized complete block design with two factors (concentrations and interval of eco-enzyme applications). The results showed that the application of eco-enzyme with a concentration of 30 mL L-1 indicated an optimal growth stimulator in pak choi, but it was not significantly different as compared to 50 mL L-1. The application of eco-enzyme twice a week was able to stimulate plant growth including plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, shoot fresh weight, and root fresh weight. Furthermore, there was a linear correlation between leaf area and plant height, leaf number, shoot fresh weight, and root fresh weight that ranged from weak to strong levels. It is recommended to apply eco-enzyme at a concentration of 30 mL L-1 twice a week for optimal pak choi production. Keywords: correlation, leafy vegetable, green olericulture, organic fertilizer, plant booste

Improvement of iron content, total phenolic, and antioxidant activity of green spinach (Amaranthus tricolor L.) with maggot fertilizer

Green spinach (Amaranthus tricolor L.) is a plant that contains various vitamins, such as vitamins A, B, and C, as well as protein and fiber. Green spinach contains high iron. Besides that, spinach also contains secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, antioxidants, and phenolics, which are beneficial for degradative diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of plant height, iron content, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity in spinach plants using a 70% ethanol solvent. The samples were extracted through a maceration method in a microwave for 3 minutes, followed by filtration to obtain the test sample filtrate. Iron content was determined using the ICP-OES method, total phenolic content (TPC) was measured with the Folin-Ciocalteu method, and antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH method. The findings revealed that treatment 2 (2 parts maggot fertilizer to 8 parts soil) had the highest iron content and antioxidant activity, whereas treatment 1 (1 part maggot fertilizer to 9 parts soil) showed the greatest plant growth and phenolic content. Keywords: allelochemical; bioherbicide; inhibitory effect; weed contro

Evaluation of phosphorus fertilizer rate based on Upland Soil Test Kit analysis for tomato fertigation

Upland Soil Test Kit (PUTK) is a rapid soil analysis kit that estimates the nutrient availability in soil. From previous studies, tomato plant production showed a good correlation with available phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) analysis using the PUTK. This study aimed to find the optimal P fertilizer rate based on PUTK analysis for tomato fertigation. This experiment was carried out using a randomized complete block design, four replications with a single factor, namely P fertilizer rate comprising 0% X, 50% X, 100% X, 150% X, and 200% X, with X the recommended P fertilizer of PUTK on moderate P availability (175 kg ha­1). The ANOVA showed that P fertilizer did not significantly affect the vegetative growth, production, and fruit quality of tomatoes. It means that PUTK analysis had low accuracy as a basis for determining the optimum P fertilizer rate for tomato fertigation. The low accuracy could be due to PUTK underestimating the status of soil P availability. Mechlich-1 analysis showed that the experimental field had high P availability (44.6 ppm), while PUTK analysis still indicates moderate P availability. This shows that PUTK needs to be developed further, especially quantifying the result to help make informed and accurate decisions. Keywords: precision farming; precision fertilization; Upland Soil Test Kit; FERADS; sustainable agricultur

Allelopathic potential of apus bamboo leaf extract towards Asystasia gangetica and Cyperus rotundus

Weeds pose a significant challenge in agricultural activity by competing with cultivated crops for essential resources. The conventional use of chemical herbicides has demonstrated adverse impacts on the environment and human health, prompting a shift toward exploring bioherbicides. This study aimed to assess the inhibitory effects of Apus bamboo (Gigantochloa apus Kurz) leaf extract on the pre-germination phase of Brassica juncea, Asystasia gangetica, and Cyperus rotundus through bioassay and pot experiment. The research design employed a completely randomized design (CRD) with a single factor representing the concentrations of Apus bamboo leaf extract (% w/v). The concentrations tested were 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. Each concentration was replicated three times, resulting in 15 experimental units. Bioassay results revealed the capacity of Apus bamboo leaf extract to inhibit and disrupt B. juncea seed germination. The pot experiment results demonstrated the inhibitory effects of the extract, significantly affecting A. gangetica germination and population, A. gangetica total fresh and dry weight, and C. rotundus total dry weight. The extract exhibited strong inhibition, starting at a concentration of 15% for A. gangetica and 10% for C. rotundus. The findings suggested that Apus bamboo leaf extract holds significant potential as a bioherbicide. Keywords: allelochemical; bioherbicide; inhibitory effect; weed control Keywords: allelochemical; bioherbicide; inhibitory effect; weed contro

Analysis of soil fertility status on rice (Oryza sativa L.) planted land in Polewali District, Polewali Mandar Regency

Rice is the main food commodity in Indonesia. The main abiotic factor affecting rice productivity is soil fertility. This study aimed to determine the soil fertility status (SFS) of paddy fields in Polewali District, Polewali Mandar Regency, West Sulawesi. The research was conducted by surveying soil characteristics supported by soil chemical analysis at the Laboratory of Soil Science and Environmental Conservation, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Muslim Indonesia. The research was conducted in Polewali District, with the survey area consisting of 4 land map units (LMU). Soil fertility status was determined based on the criteria of each soil fertility parameter, namely: soil pH, organic C-content, cation exchange capacity, available P, Potassium content, and base saturation. The results showed that the SFS in Polewali District was classified as low. Only the base saturation parameters in LMU-2 and LMU-3 were classified as high. In addition, all parameters were only classified as very low to medium at all LMUs. Low C-organic content and very low P and K content are the main limiting factors for SFS. Recommended land management to improve soil fertility is the addition of organic matter that can increase total nitrogen and C-organic in the soil and the application of manure. Keywords: Soil fertility status, paddy fields, rice plant

Trichoderma spp. isolates stimulate rice seedling growth of Sertani 13 variety

Trichoderma has become one of the most studied filamentous fungi to be used as a greener and more sustainable solution for improving the production and growth of numerous crops, due to its capability to form symbiotic associations with plants. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Trichoderma isolates obtained from the rhizosphere of organic rice fields in Sukabumi, Indonesia, in enhancing rice germination and seedling growth. A laboratory experiment used a completely randomized design consisting of seed treatments of 21 Trichoderma isolates (T1-T21) and a control treatment without Trichoderma (C). The inoculation was employed to elucidate any potential effects of Trichoderma isolates. Results showed that five isolates, i.e., T5, T7, T9, T10, and T14 stimulated the highest seedling vigor index, root and shoot length, and fresh weight and dry weight. These findings exhibited the potential of these five isolates as plant growth-promoting fungi to improve rice seedling growth and contribute to our understanding of the role of symbiotic fungi in sustainable rice crop production. Keywords: plant growth promoting fungi; seed treatment; plant-microbe interactions, symbiotic fung