Analysis Of The Efficiency Of Using Fertilizer By Farmers In Onion Plants (Allium Ascalonicum L.) Using The Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) Method

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Analysis of the Efficiency of Using Fertilizer by Farmers in Onion Plants (Allium ascalonicum L.) Using the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) Method

Introduction

The use of fertilizer in agriculture is a crucial aspect of crop production, and its efficiency can significantly impact the productivity and profitability of farming businesses. In the case of onion farming, the efficient use of fertilizer can lead to higher yields and better quality produce. However, the optimal use of fertilizer is often a challenge for farmers, particularly in regions where resources are limited. This study aims to analyze the level of technical efficiency, price efficiency, and economic efficiency in the use of fertilizer in the onion farming business in Tongging Village, Brand District, Karo Regency. Additionally, this study identifies the factors that influence the use of fertilizer in onion plants, such as land area, the price of shallots, fertilizer prices, and farmer farming experiences.

Methodology

The research method used in this study was purposive sampling, where 70 respondents who were onion farmers were selected using the Slovin method. The data analysis involved several methods, including efficiency analysis using the data envelopment analysis (DEA) method, legal analysis of the law of diminishing returns (LDR), and multiple linear regression analysis. The DEA method was applied to measure technical efficiency in the use of fertilizer, while the comparison of marginal production value (NPM) using the Cobb-Douglas model was used to assess price efficiency. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to understand the effect of variables such as land area, onion prices, fertilizer prices, and farming experiences on the use of fertilizers.

Results

The results of this study showed that the use of fertilizer in onion plants based on the data envelopment analysis method is inefficient, both in terms of technical, price, and economic efficiency. The study found that there is a significant influence of land area, the price of shallots, the price of fertilizer, and the experience of farming on the use of fertilizer in onion plants. The optimal fertilizer dose that should be applied by farmers for onion plants is 184 kg per 0.13 hectares.

Analysis of Efficiency and Supporting Factors

The analysis of efficiency in the use of fertilizer is crucial for farmers, as it can increase productivity and profit. The use of the DEA method allows researchers to evaluate how well farmers manage their resources, in this case fertilizer, to achieve maximum results. The inefficiency found in this study shows that there is great potential to improve agricultural practices.

Factors such as land area, onion prices, fertilizer prices, and farming experience play a crucial role in determining the efficiency of fertilizer use. Larger land area can allow farmers to use fertilizer better, while the price of shallots and fluctuating fertilizers can influence farmers' decisions in allocating their resources. Farming experience is also important, because more experienced farmers tend to be better in managing fertilizer and understanding the needs of their plants.

In the case of fertilizer doses, the findings that the optimal dose is 184 kg per 0.13 hectares indicate that farmers need to pay attention to the legal principles of the results that decrease. This principle states that after a certain point, additional use of input (in this case fertilizer) will give decreased results. Therefore, it is essential for farmers to find a balance between the use of adequate fertilizer to encourage plant growth without exceeding the dose that can cause waste of resources.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this research highlights the importance of the efficiency analysis of fertilizer use in the onion farming business. By using the DEA method, researchers can provide valuable insights for farmers in improving their agricultural practices. Better efficiency in the use of fertilizer will not only increase productivity and profit but will also contribute to the sustainability of agriculture in the region. Therefore, it is recommended that farmers always update their knowledge and skills in managing fertilizer to achieve more optimal results.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  1. Farmers should update their knowledge and skills in managing fertilizer: Farmers should attend training and workshops to improve their understanding of fertilizer management and its impact on crop production.
  2. Farmers should use the optimal fertilizer dose: Farmers should use the optimal fertilizer dose of 184 kg per 0.13 hectares to achieve maximum results.
  3. Farmers should consider the law of diminishing returns: Farmers should consider the law of diminishing returns when using fertilizer, as excessive use can lead to decreased results.
  4. Farmers should manage their resources efficiently: Farmers should manage their resources efficiently, including land area, onion prices, fertilizer prices, and farming experiences, to achieve better efficiency in fertilizer use.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

  1. Small sample size: The study used a small sample size of 70 respondents, which may not be representative of the entire population of onion farmers in the region.
  2. Limited data: The study used limited data, including only the variables of land area, onion prices, fertilizer prices, and farming experiences.
  3. Methodological limitations: The study used the DEA method, which may not be suitable for all types of data.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on:

  1. Increasing the sample size: Future research should use a larger sample size to increase the representativeness of the study.
  2. Including more variables: Future research should include more variables, such as weather conditions, soil type, and pest management practices, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of fertilizer use.
  3. Using different methods: Future research should use different methods, such as regression analysis and decision tree analysis, to provide a more robust understanding of fertilizer use.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of the efficiency analysis of fertilizer use in the onion farming business. By using the DEA method, researchers can provide valuable insights for farmers in improving their agricultural practices. Better efficiency in the use of fertilizer will not only increase productivity and profit but will also contribute to the sustainability of agriculture in the region. Therefore, it is essential for farmers to update their knowledge and skills in managing fertilizer to achieve more optimal results.
Q&A: Analysis of the Efficiency of Using Fertilizer by Farmers in Onion Plants (Allium ascalonicum L.) Using the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) Method

Introduction

In our previous article, we discussed the analysis of the efficiency of using fertilizer by farmers in onion plants (Allium ascalonicum L.) using the data envelopment analysis (DEA) method. This study aimed to analyze the level of technical efficiency, price efficiency, and economic efficiency in the use of fertilizer in the onion farming business in Tongging Village, Brand District, Karo Regency. In this Q&A article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions related to this study.

Q: What is the main objective of this study?

A: The main objective of this study is to analyze the level of technical efficiency, price efficiency, and economic efficiency in the use of fertilizer in the onion farming business in Tongging Village, Brand District, Karo Regency.

Q: What methods were used in this study?

A: This study used several methods, including efficiency analysis using the data envelopment analysis (DEA) method, legal analysis of the law of diminishing returns (LDR), and multiple linear regression analysis.

Q: What are the key findings of this study?

A: The key findings of this study are:

  • The use of fertilizer in onion plants based on the data envelopment analysis method is inefficient, both in terms of technical, price, and economic efficiency.
  • There is a significant influence of land area, the price of shallots, the price of fertilizer, and the experience of farming on the use of fertilizer in onion plants.
  • The optimal fertilizer dose that should be applied by farmers for onion plants is 184 kg per 0.13 hectares.

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: The implications of this study are:

  • Farmers should update their knowledge and skills in managing fertilizer to achieve more optimal results.
  • Farmers should use the optimal fertilizer dose to achieve maximum results.
  • Farmers should consider the law of diminishing returns when using fertilizer, as excessive use can lead to decreased results.
  • Farmers should manage their resources efficiently, including land area, onion prices, fertilizer prices, and farming experiences, to achieve better efficiency in fertilizer use.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study are:

  • Small sample size: The study used a small sample size of 70 respondents, which may not be representative of the entire population of onion farmers in the region.
  • Limited data: The study used limited data, including only the variables of land area, onion prices, fertilizer prices, and farming experiences.
  • Methodological limitations: The study used the DEA method, which may not be suitable for all types of data.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: Future research should focus on:

  • Increasing the sample size: Future research should use a larger sample size to increase the representativeness of the study.
  • Including more variables: Future research should include more variables, such as weather conditions, soil type, and pest management practices, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of fertilizer use.
  • Using different methods: Future research should use different methods, such as regression analysis and decision tree analysis, to provide a more robust understanding of fertilizer use.

Q: What are the practical implications of this study?

A: The practical implications of this study are:

  • Farmers should update their knowledge and skills in managing fertilizer to achieve more optimal results.
  • Farmers should use the optimal fertilizer dose to achieve maximum results.
  • Farmers should consider the law of diminishing returns when using fertilizer, as excessive use can lead to decreased results.
  • Farmers should manage their resources efficiently, including land area, onion prices, fertilizer prices, and farming experiences, to achieve better efficiency in fertilizer use.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Q&A article provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions related to the analysis of the efficiency of using fertilizer by farmers in onion plants (Allium ascalonicum L.) using the data envelopment analysis (DEA) method. We hope that this article will provide valuable insights for farmers, researchers, and policymakers in improving agricultural practices and achieving more optimal results in fertilizer use.