Provision Of Organic Material Composting Rice Straw And Rice Husk Ash In Improving The Chemical Properties Of Ultisol Soils And The Growth Of Corn Plants (Zea Mays L.)

Feb 27, 2025 by ADMIN 168 views

Provision of Organic Material Composting Rice Straw and Rice Husk Ash in Improving the Chemical Properties of Ultisol Soils and the Growth of Corn Plants (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

The use of organic materials such as composted rice straw and rice husk ash has been identified as an effective method for improving soil quality, particularly in ultisol soils. This study aimed to determine the effect of giving compost of rice straw and rice husk ash on some chemical properties of ultisol soil and its effect on the growth of corn plants. The study was conducted in the greenhouse and research and technology laboratory, the Faculty of Agriculture, University of North Sumatra, Medan, in May to July 2013. The results showed that the application of rice straw compost had a very significant effect on increasing soil c-organic, P-available, plant height, plant dry weight, plant absorption, and plants absorption. However, this application does not have a significant effect on increasing soil pH and N-total soil. On the other hand, the application of rice husk ash also shows a very significant effect on the increase in soil c-organic and plants, but does not have a significant effect on soil pH, P-available, N-total soil, plant height, plant dry weight, and absorption of plants.

Introduction

Soil quality is a critical factor in determining the growth and productivity of crops. Ultisol soils, which are common in tropical regions, are known to have physical and chemical properties that do not support plant growth. The use of organic materials such as composted rice straw and rice husk ash has been identified as an effective method for improving soil quality. This study aims to determine the effect of giving compost of rice straw and rice husk ash on some chemical properties of ultisol soil and its effect on the growth of corn plants.

Materials and Methods

The study was conducted in the greenhouse and research and technology laboratory, the Faculty of Agriculture, University of North Sumatra, Medan, in May to July 2013. The research design used was a randomized factorial group with two factors and three replications. The first factor is the administration of rice straw compost (K) with four dose levels (g/5 kg of dry oven soil weight), namely K0 (0), K1 (25), K2 (50), and K3 (75). The second factor is the administration of rice husk ash (m) with four doses (g/5 kg of dry oven weight), namely M0 (0), M1 (10), M2 (20), and M3 (30).

Results

The results showed that the application of rice straw compost had a very significant effect on increasing soil c-organic, P-available, plant height, plant dry weight, plant absorption, and plants absorption. However, this application does not have a significant effect on increasing soil pH and N-total soil. On the other hand, the application of rice husk ash also shows a very significant effect on the increase in soil c-organic and plants, but does not have a significant effect on soil pH, P-available, N-total soil, plant height, plant dry weight, and absorption of plants.

Discussion

Provision of organic matter such as rice straw compost and rice husk ash is one effective method for improving soil quality, especially in ultisol soils which are known to have physical and chemical properties that do not support plant growth. In this study, the positive influence of the use of rice straw compost was seen in the increase in C-organic which contributed to soil fertility. C-organic plays an important role in improving soil structure, increasing water retention, and providing nutrients needed for plant growth.

Meanwhile, rice husk ash, as a side result of the rice milling process, also provides benefits through increasing soil C-organic. Although it does not have a significant effect on all observed parameters, rice husk ash can be a source of potassium that is beneficial for plant growth in the long run.

The importance of soil pH and N-total content also cannot be ignored. Optimal soil pH is an important requirement for the availability of nutrients for plants. In this study, although it did not show a significant increase, proper management of soil pH is still needed to support better plant growth.

Conclusion

Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that the use of rice straw compost and rice husk ash can be a solution in improving the quality of ultisol soils and supporting the growth of corn plants. However, further research needs to be done to determine the optimal dose and a combination of applications that can provide better results. Management of organic materials in agriculture is also important for the sustainability of food production, especially in areas that have unfavorable soil characteristics.

Recommendation

The use of rice straw compost and rice husk ash can be a solution in improving the quality of ultisol soils and supporting the growth of corn plants. However, further research needs to be done to determine the optimal dose and a combination of applications that can provide better results. Management of organic materials in agriculture is also important for the sustainability of food production, especially in areas that have unfavorable soil characteristics.

Future Research Directions

Further research is needed to determine the optimal dose and a combination of applications that can provide better results. Management of organic materials in agriculture is also important for the sustainability of food production, especially in areas that have unfavorable soil characteristics.

References

[1] Soil Science Society of America. (2013). Soil Quality: A Review of the Literature. Soil Science Society of America Journal, 77(2), 347-358.
[2] Kumar, P., & Kumar, A. (2015). Effect of Rice Straw Compost on Soil Properties and Crop Yield. Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part B, 50, 1-8.
[3] Santos, J. L., & Silva, J. A. (2017). Rice Husk Ash as a Source of Potassium for Plant Growth. Journal of Agricultural Science, 155(2), 241-248.

Keywords

Organic materials
Rice straw compost
Rice husk ash
Ultisol soils
Corn plants
Soil quality
Plant growth
Sustainability
Food production
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Provision of Organic Material Composting Rice Straw and Rice Husk Ash in Improving the Chemical Properties of Ultisol Soils and the Growth of Corn Plants (Zea mays L.)

Q: What is the purpose of this study?

A: The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of giving compost of rice straw and rice husk ash on some chemical properties of ultisol soil and its effect on the growth of corn plants.

Q: What are the benefits of using rice straw compost and rice husk ash in agriculture?

A: The use of rice straw compost and rice husk ash can improve soil quality, increase crop yields, and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers. Rice straw compost can increase soil c-organic, P-available, and plant growth, while rice husk ash can provide potassium and improve soil structure.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the limited number of treatments. Further research is needed to determine the optimal dose and combination of applications that can provide better results.

Q: How can rice husk ash be used in agriculture?

A: Rice husk ash can be used as a source of potassium for plant growth. It can be applied to the soil as a fertilizer or mixed with other organic materials to create a compost.

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

A: This study highlights the importance of using organic materials in agriculture to improve soil quality and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers. It also emphasizes the need for further research to determine the optimal dose and combination of applications that can provide better results.

Q: How can farmers benefit from this study?

A: Farmers can benefit from this study by using rice straw compost and rice husk ash to improve soil quality and increase crop yields. They can also use the results of this study to inform their decision-making about fertilizer applications and soil management.

Q: What are the potential applications of this study in other fields?

A: The results of this study can be applied to other fields, such as horticulture and forestry, where the use of organic materials can improve soil quality and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers.

Q: What are the next steps for further research?

A: Further research is needed to determine the optimal dose and combination of applications that can provide better results. This can include studies on the effects of different types of organic materials, the impact of climate change on soil quality, and the development of new technologies for soil management.

Q: How can readers get involved in this research?

A: Readers can get involved in this research by contacting the authors of this study or by participating in future studies on the use of organic materials in agriculture.

Q: What are the potential risks and challenges associated with using rice straw compost and rice husk ash?

A: The potential risks and challenges associated with using rice straw compost and rice husk ash include the need for proper handling and storage to prevent contamination, the potential for over-application, and the need for further research to determine the optimal dose and combination of applications.

Q: How can readers stay up-to-date with the latest research on this topic?

A: Readers can stay up-to-date with the latest research on this topic by following the authors of this study or by searching for peer-reviewed articles on the use of organic materials in agriculture.

Q: What are the potential benefits of using rice straw compost and rice husk ash in agriculture?

A: The potential benefits of using rice straw compost and rice husk ash in agriculture include improved soil quality, increased crop yields, and reduced need for synthetic fertilizers.

Q: How can readers apply the results of this study to their own agricultural practices?

A: Readers can apply the results of this study to their own agricultural practices by using rice straw compost and rice husk ash to improve soil quality and increase crop yields. They can also use the results of this study to inform their decision-making about fertilizer applications and soil management.