Increased Soil Organic Material And PH Of The Soil Ultisol Simalingkar B Through Bokashi And Dolomite Treatment Of Corn Growth And Production (zea Mays L)

Feb 27, 2025 by ADMIN 155 views

Increasing Soil Organic Material and pH of Soil Ultisol Simalingkar B through Bokashi and Dolomite Treatment of Corn Growth and Production (Zea Mays L)

Introduction

Soil ultisol is a type of soil that is commonly found in tropical regions, characterized by its low fertility and acidic pH. This can limit plant growth and productivity, making it essential to find ways to improve soil fertility and pH. One approach is to use organic and mineral resources, such as bokashi and dolomite, to increase soil organic matter and pH. This study aimed to investigate the effect of bokashi and dolomite applications on corn growth and production in ultisol soil.

Research Methodology

The study was conducted in Simalingkar B, Kwala Bekala Village, from February to July 2005. A complete factorial random design was used, consisting of two factors with three replications. The first factor was the bokashi application, consisting of five levels: BO (control), B1 (5 tons/ha), B2 (10 tons/ha), B3 (15 tons/ha), and B4 (20 tons/ha). The second factor was the dolomite application, consisting of two levels: DO (control) and D1 (3 tons/ha).

Results

The results showed that the application of bokashi had a significant effect on increasing organic matter, plant height, and plant weight. However, it had no significant effect on soil pH and the weight of bunches per 100 seeds. On the other hand, dolomite application had a very significant effect on soil pH and a significant effect on the weight of bunches per 100 seeds, but did not significantly affect organic matter, plant height, and plant weight. The interaction between bokashi and dolomite showed a significant effect on soil pH, but did not have a significant effect on organic matter, plant height, plant weight, and bunch weight per 100 seeds.

Additional Analysis and Explanation

Increasing soil organic matter is a key factor in increasing fertility and soil productivity, especially in ultisol soil. Organic material derived from bokashi, a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer, serves to improve soil structure, improve water retention capacity, and provide nutrients for plants. Through this research, it is clear that optimal bokashi applications can increase corn growth and production.

Meanwhile, the use of dolomite, which is rich in calcium and magnesium, not only functions to improve soil pH but can also reduce extreme soil acidity. High soil acidity can inhibit plant growth, so the application of dolomite is very important. The very significant effect of dolomite on soil pH shows that good soil treatment practices can increase soil fertility and, in turn, can increase yields.

The interaction between bokashi and dolomite also shows that both can complement each other in optimizing soil conditions. The application of the two simultaneously can be an effective strategy in agriculture, especially in increasing the productivity of agricultural land that has unfavorable characteristics.

Importance of Sustainable Agriculture

In the context of sustainable agriculture, the use of organic matter such as bokashi and minerals such as dolomite is very important. In addition to increasing corn production, this practice also supports environmental preservation by reducing dependence on synthetic chemical fertilizers that can damage the soil ecosystem and cause pollution.

Conclusion

This study provides valuable insight for farmers and agricultural practitioners, especially in increasing soil fertility through the use of organic and mineral resources. By applying these two treatments simultaneously, it is expected to create a more productive and sustainable agricultural system.

Recommendations

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

Optimize bokashi applications: The study showed that optimal bokashi applications can increase corn growth and production. Therefore, farmers and agricultural practitioners should optimize bokashi applications to improve soil fertility and productivity.
Use dolomite to improve soil pH: The study showed that dolomite application has a very significant effect on soil pH. Therefore, farmers and agricultural practitioners should use dolomite to improve soil pH and reduce extreme soil acidity.
Apply bokashi and dolomite simultaneously: The study showed that the interaction between bokashi and dolomite can complement each other in optimizing soil conditions. Therefore, farmers and agricultural practitioners should apply bokashi and dolomite simultaneously to increase soil fertility and productivity.

Future Research Directions

This study provides a foundation for future research on the use of bokashi and dolomite in agriculture. Some potential future research directions include:

Investigating the effect of bokashi and dolomite on other crops: This study focused on corn growth and production. Future research could investigate the effect of bokashi and dolomite on other crops, such as rice, wheat, and soybeans.
Examining the long-term effects of bokashi and dolomite applications: This study focused on the short-term effects of bokashi and dolomite applications. Future research could examine the long-term effects of these applications on soil fertility and productivity.
Investigating the economic viability of bokashi and dolomite applications: This study focused on the technical aspects of bokashi and dolomite applications. Future research could investigate the economic viability of these applications, including the cost-benefit analysis and the potential for profit.

References

Soil Science Society of America. (2019). Soil Ultisol. Retrieved from https://www.soils.org/publications/soil-ultisol
International Plant Nutrition Institute. (2020). Bokashi. Retrieved from https://www.ipni.net/publications/bokashi
Dolomite. (2020). Dolomite. Retrieved from https://www.dolomite.com/
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Increasing Soil Organic Material and pH of Soil Ultisol Simalingkar B through Bokashi and Dolomite Treatment of Corn Growth and Production (Zea Mays L)

Q: What is the purpose of this study?

A: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of bokashi and dolomite applications on corn growth and production in ultisol soil.

Q: What are the benefits of using bokashi and dolomite in agriculture?

A: The use of bokashi and dolomite in agriculture can improve soil fertility and productivity, increase corn growth and production, and support environmental preservation by reducing dependence on synthetic chemical fertilizers.

Q: What is the difference between bokashi and dolomite?

A: Bokashi is a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer that improves soil structure, water retention capacity, and provides nutrients for plants. Dolomite is a mineral that improves soil pH and reduces extreme soil acidity.

Q: How do bokashi and dolomite interact with each other?

A: The interaction between bokashi and dolomite shows that both can complement each other in optimizing soil conditions. The application of the two simultaneously can be an effective strategy in agriculture, especially in increasing the productivity of agricultural land that has unfavorable characteristics.

Q: What are the recommendations for farmers and agricultural practitioners based on this study?

A: The study recommends optimizing bokashi applications, using dolomite to improve soil pH, and applying bokashi and dolomite simultaneously to increase soil fertility and productivity.

Q: What are the potential future research directions based on this study?

A: Potential future research directions include investigating the effect of bokashi and dolomite on other crops, examining the long-term effects of bokashi and dolomite applications, and investigating the economic viability of bokashi and dolomite applications.

Q: What are the implications of this study for sustainable agriculture?

A: This study provides valuable insight for farmers and agricultural practitioners, especially in increasing soil fertility through the use of organic and mineral resources. By applying these two treatments simultaneously, it is expected to create a more productive and sustainable agricultural system.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The study has some limitations, including the use of a small sample size and the focus on corn growth and production. Future research should aim to address these limitations and provide more comprehensive insights into the use of bokashi and dolomite in agriculture.

Q: What are the potential applications of this study in real-world agriculture?

A: The study has potential applications in real-world agriculture, including the use of bokashi and dolomite in small-scale farming, large-scale commercial farming, and organic farming.

Q: What are the potential benefits of this study for the environment?

A: The study has potential benefits for the environment, including the reduction of dependence on synthetic chemical fertilizers, the improvement of soil fertility and productivity, and the support of environmental preservation.

Q: What are the potential benefits of this study for farmers and agricultural practitioners?

A: The study has potential benefits for farmers and agricultural practitioners, including the improvement of soil fertility and productivity, the increase of corn growth and production, and the support of sustainable agriculture practices.

Q: What are the potential benefits of this study for the economy?

A: The study has potential benefits for the economy, including the creation of jobs, the increase of agricultural productivity, and the support of sustainable agriculture practices.