Fertigation Study By Hydroponic Planting Method In Pakcoy Plants (Brassica Rapa L.)
Introduction
The decline in agricultural land in Indonesia has resulted in agricultural cultivation activities facing obstacles in providing land to meet the increasing food needs. This situation encourages the agricultural sector to overcome this problem by increasing the application of agriculture in narrow land, one of which is through a hydroponic fertigation system in Pakcoy plants. Pakcoy plants, also known as Brassica Rapa L., are a type of vegetable that is widely cultivated in Indonesia. The use of hydroponic fertigation systems in Pakcoy plants has gained popularity in recent years due to its ability to increase crop yields and reduce water consumption.
Methodology
In this study, an experiment was conducted with a scale of the gauze house consisting of two treatments, namely irrigation for 6 hours and 8 hours, with 26 replications for each treatment. Some of the parameters observed in this study include the concentration of AB Mix nutritional solution, water discharge, wet weight and dry weight, as well as economic analysis. The experiment was designed to examine the effectiveness of the fertigation system in the hydroponic planting method in Pakcoy plants.
Results
The results of the study showed that the concentration of AB Mix solution consisted of 3.12% N, 0.0000003% P, and 3.76% K. The average initial water discharge for irrigation for 6 hours was recorded at 1.40 x 10^-3 L/S, while irrigation for 8 hours is 1.05 x 10^-3 L/s. The average final water discharge for 6 hours irrigation is 6.24 x 10^-3 l/s, and for 8 hours is 4.67 x 10^-3 l/s. In addition, the wet weight of Pakcoy plants ranges from 70.33 to 72.03 grams, while dry weight ranges from 1.27 to 1.32 grams. In economic analysis, fixed costs are recorded at Rp. 279,023.5 per year, variable costs of Rp. 28.6 per hour, basic costs in the first year of Rp. 296.2 per kilogram.
Discussion
The hydroponic fertigation system is an innovation in agricultural cultivation that is very suitable to be applied in narrow land, especially in urban areas. This method not only minimizes land use, but also increases efficiency in the use of water and nutrients. By using AB Mix nutritional solution, plants can get the substances needed optimally, so that their growth becomes faster and the results are better.
The measured water debut in this study shows the importance of proper irrigation regulation. Adequate and regular irrigation is the key to maintaining the humidity and stability of the growth of Pakcoy plants. Variations in the time of irrigation (6 hours vs 8 hours) provide an overview of how much influence on plant weight, which in turn can have an impact on productivity.
On the economic side, the analysis shows that the fixed costs and variables incurred for Pakcoy cultivation through the hydroponic fertigation system are quite sustainable. The decrease in basic costs from the first year to the fifth year also reflects the potential profit that increases along with experience and efficiency in business management. This is very important for farmers or business actors in considering long-term investment in the hydroponic field.
Conclusion
With this research, it is expected to provide deeper insight regarding the application of hydroponic fertigation systems and its benefits to increase agricultural productivity, especially for Pakcoy plants. In addition, the results of this study can be a reference for the development of other crop cultivation with a similar method, so that it can meet the food needs of the community in the future.
Recommendations
Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that farmers or business actors consider using hydroponic fertigation systems in their agricultural cultivation activities. This method can increase crop yields and reduce water consumption, making it a sustainable and efficient way to produce food. Additionally, further research is needed to explore the potential of hydroponic fertigation systems in other crop cultivation, such as vegetables and fruits.
Limitations
This study has some limitations that need to be addressed in future research. Firstly, the experiment was conducted in a controlled environment, which may not reflect the actual conditions in the field. Secondly, the study only focused on Pakcoy plants, and further research is needed to explore the potential of hydroponic fertigation systems in other crops. Finally, the study only examined the economic benefits of hydroponic fertigation systems, and further research is needed to explore the social and environmental benefits of this method.
Future Research Directions
Future research directions include exploring the potential of hydroponic fertigation systems in other crop cultivation, such as vegetables and fruits. Additionally, further research is needed to explore the social and environmental benefits of hydroponic fertigation systems, such as its impact on water consumption and soil degradation. Finally, further research is needed to develop more efficient and sustainable hydroponic fertigation systems that can meet the increasing food needs of the community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of hydroponic fertigation systems in Pakcoy plants. The results of this study show that hydroponic fertigation systems can increase crop yields and reduce water consumption, making it a sustainable and efficient way to produce food. Additionally, the study provides a reference for the development of other crop cultivation with a similar method, so that it can meet the food needs of the community in the future.
Q: What is fertigation?
A: Fertigation is the process of delivering fertilizers to plants through irrigation systems. In the context of this study, fertigation refers to the use of a hydroponic system to deliver nutrients to Pakcoy plants.
Q: What is hydroponic planting method?
A: Hydroponic planting method is a soilless cultivation technique where plants are grown in a nutrient-rich solution rather than soil. In this study, the hydroponic system was used to deliver nutrients to Pakcoy plants.
Q: What are the benefits of using hydroponic fertigation systems?
A: The benefits of using hydroponic fertigation systems include increased crop yields, reduced water consumption, and improved nutrient uptake by plants. Additionally, hydroponic systems can be used in narrow land areas, making them suitable for urban agriculture.
Q: What are the parameters observed in this study?
A: The parameters observed in this study include the concentration of AB Mix nutritional solution, water discharge, wet weight and dry weight, as well as economic analysis.
Q: What are the results of the study?
A: The results of the study showed that the concentration of AB Mix solution consisted of 3.12% N, 0.0000003% P, and 3.76% K. The average initial water discharge for irrigation for 6 hours was recorded at 1.40 x 10^-3 L/S, while irrigation for 8 hours is 1.05 x 10^-3 L/s. The average final water discharge for 6 hours irrigation is 6.24 x 10^-3 l/s, and for 8 hours is 4.67 x 10^-3 l/s. In addition, the wet weight of Pakcoy plants ranges from 70.33 to 72.03 grams, while dry weight ranges from 1.27 to 1.32 grams.
Q: What are the economic benefits of using hydroponic fertigation systems?
A: The economic benefits of using hydroponic fertigation systems include reduced fixed costs and variable costs. The decrease in basic costs from the first year to the fifth year also reflects the potential profit that increases along with experience and efficiency in business management.
Q: What are the limitations of this study?
A: The limitations of this study include the controlled environment of the experiment, which may not reflect the actual conditions in the field. Additionally, the study only focused on Pakcoy plants, and further research is needed to explore the potential of hydroponic fertigation systems in other crops.
Q: What are the future research directions?
A: Future research directions include exploring the potential of hydroponic fertigation systems in other crop cultivation, such as vegetables and fruits. Additionally, further research is needed to explore the social and environmental benefits of hydroponic fertigation systems, such as its impact on water consumption and soil degradation.
Q: What are the recommendations for farmers or business actors?
A: The recommendations for farmers or business actors include considering the use of hydroponic fertigation systems in their agricultural cultivation activities. This method can increase crop yields and reduce water consumption, making it a sustainable and efficient way to produce food.
Q: What are the potential applications of this study?
A: The potential applications of this study include the development of hydroponic fertigation systems for other crops, such as vegetables and fruits. Additionally, the study can be used as a reference for the development of sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.
Q: What are the implications of this study for the food industry?
A: The implications of this study for the food industry include the potential for increased crop yields and reduced water consumption. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of sustainable and efficient agricultural practices in meeting the increasing food needs of the community.
Q: What are the implications of this study for the environment?
A: The implications of this study for the environment include the potential for reduced water consumption and improved nutrient uptake by plants. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of sustainable and efficient agricultural practices in reducing the environmental impact of agriculture.