Search

In oil palm growth, planting density has a sustainable impact on its productivity. To enhance the long-term growth and production yield of oil palm, it is crucial to consider the establishment of appropriate planting densities during the initial planting phase. This research explores the relationship between planting density and productivity, highlighting the importance of determining optimal plant densities for optimal yields. The study was conducted at the Muara Tawang Estate (MTNE) in Kapuas Hulu Regency, West Kalimantan Province. Two blocks of oil palm land with three different planting densities (130, 136, and 143 plants per hectare) were observed to understand the relationship between planting density and agronomic characteristics. Measurements were taken on plant height, frond length, petiole width, number of male and female flowers, and sex ratio. The analysis unveiled consistent trends in oil palm production, which varied based on planting density. Planting densities of 130 and 136 showed superior production trends compared to 143, with 136 demonstrating production increases ranging from 19.8% to 29.8% relative to density 143, alongside enhancements in plant height and frond length by 4.6% and 5.4%, respectively. Additionally, petiole thickness and width were notably lower in density 143, experiencing reductions of 8.0% and 11.0%, respectively, compared to density 136, while the sex ratio exhibited a similar pattern, declining by 34.0% in density 143 compared to 136. This highlights the importance of determining appropriate planting densities to enhance oil palm productivity.

Eggplant cultivation displays versatility across various soil types. However, nutrient depletion, a result of excessive chemical fertilizer utilization, presents a growing concern. The integration of green manure into agricultural practices, catering to diverse soil types, can remediate this nutrient loss. The purpose of this study was to investigate eggplant growth and yield responses to differing green manure quantities across varying soil types. Employing a factorial experimental method, this research was structured in a completely randomized design (CRD). Two independent variables were evaluated: green manure dosage, with three levels (30 g/plant (D1), 60 g/plant (D2), 90 g/plant (D3)), and soil type, also classified into three categories: Latosol (T1), Grumusol (T2), and Regosol (T3). Data interpretation was conducted using analysis of variance, followed by the Tukey test, each executed at α = 5% significance level. Outcomes indicated a notable interaction between green manure dosage and soil type concerning the leaf area and root fresh weight parameters. The optimal combination emerged as a 30 g/plant green manure dosage applied to Regosol soil type. Notably, individual treatments exerted divergent effects on eggplant growth parameters, though no significant impact on eggplant yield parameters was observed. This research underscores the interplay between green manure usage and soil type in cultivating eggplants, adding value to sustainable agricultural practices.

Appropriate weeds control is needed against weeds constraints in field, especially the organic field. With the appropriate management, weeding would benefit the organic field not only in reducing weeds but also in increasing nitrogen (N) availability in organic rice fields. This research aims to observe soil available N changes affected by weeding frequencies in organic paddy fields. Treatments applied were five weeding frequencies (WF) such as 0 WF, 2 WF, 4 WF, 6 WF, and 8 WF, to study the effect of various weeding frequencies on soil total N and available N ( NH4+ and NO3–) in the organic rice field. The soil in the conventional field was analyzed as a comparison to organic field soil. The results showed that soil C and N contents are similar in all treatments. Meanwhile, 6 WF performed the highest soil NH4+ among organic plots (10.36 mg N kg–1) and 8 WF enhanced soil NO3– to the highest average among all plots (10.12 mg N kg–1). The treatment of 6 WF and 8 WF also maintain the increase of soil NH4+ to 51 days after transplanting (DAT), meanwhile 0 WF, 2 WF, and 4 WF decreased after 40 DAT. Water samples from fields inlet-outlet and river showed that NH4+ content found in water sample was higher than NO3–. We concluded that the more frequencies of weeding applied to organic fields potentially preserved soil inorganic N longer, which is very important in supporting rice growth.