The Effect Of Giving TKKS And Mycorrhizal Compost On Growth, Absorption N, P Rubber Seeds Of Pb 260 Clone In The Soil

Feb 27, 2025 by ADMIN 118 views

The Effect of Giving TKKS and Mycorrhizal Compost on Growth, Absorption N, P Rubber Seeds of Pb 260 Clone in the Soil

Introduction

The increasing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices has led to the exploration of various organic materials and microorganisms that can enhance crop growth and productivity. One such approach is the use of oil palm empty bunches (TKKS) and mycorrhizal compost to improve the growth and nutrient absorption of rubber seeds. This study aims to investigate the effect of providing TKKS and mycorrhizal compost on the growth and absorption of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) nutrients in the rubber seeds of PB 260 clones, particularly in soils that experience drought stress.

Background

Rubber is an important crop in many tropical countries, including Indonesia, where it is a major source of income for many farmers. However, rubber cultivation is often hampered by drought stress, which can lead to reduced crop yields and lower quality rubber. To address this issue, researchers have been exploring various strategies to improve the resilience of rubber plants to drought stress. One such approach is the use of organic materials and microorganisms that can enhance plant growth and nutrient absorption.

Methodology

This study was conducted in the Glasshouse of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of North Sumatra (USU) in Medan from November 2014 to May 2015. A factorial random group design (rack) was used, with two main factors: the TKKS compost dose and the type of mycorrhiza. The TKKS compost dose consisted of four levels: 0 g/plants, 300 g/plants, 600 g/plants, and 900 g/plants. The type of mycorrhiza also consisted of four levels: without mycorrhizae, glomus, acaulospora, and a combination of glomus and acaulospora.

Results

The results of this study showed that the interaction between TKKS compost and mycorrhiza had no significant effect on the growth and nutrient absorption of rubber seeds. However, the combination of TKKS and mycorrhizal compost, especially the type of acaulospora and glomus, was found to increase the average plant height, stem diameter, nutrients N and P, as well as the absorption of nutrients N and P. Additionally, the dry weight of the canopy, root dry weight, root-ratio, and degree of root infection were also found to increase.

Discussion

The results of this study suggest that the combination of TKKS and mycorrhizal compost can contribute positively to the growth of PB 260 clone rubber seeds in drought stress conditions. This is consistent with previous studies that have shown the benefits of using organic materials and microorganisms to improve plant growth and resilience to environmental stress. The use of TKKS compost with a dose of 300 g/plant was found to have a significant impact on the growth of rubber seeds, especially in terms of plant height, N nutrient levels, N and P absorption, as well as the dry weight of the roots and canopy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides valuable insight for farmers and researchers in optimizing the use of organic materials and mycorrhiza to increase crop productivity in land that is vulnerable to drought. The combination of TKKS and mycorrhizal compost, especially the type of acaulospora and glomus, can contribute positively to the growth of PB 260 clone rubber seeds in drought stress conditions. This study highlights the importance of managing soil input in increasing plant resilience to environmental stress, and provides a useful strategy in sustainable rubber cultivation.

Recommendations

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

The use of TKKS compost with a dose of 300 g/plant can be recommended as a strategy to improve the growth of rubber seeds in drought stress conditions.
The combination of TKKS and mycorrhizal compost, especially the type of acaulospora and glomus, can be used to increase the resilience of rubber plants to drought stress.
Further research is needed to explore the potential of using other organic materials and microorganisms to improve plant growth and resilience to environmental stress.

Limitations

This study has several limitations that need to be addressed in future research. Firstly, the study was conducted in a controlled environment, and the results may not be applicable to field conditions. Secondly, the study only investigated the effect of TKKS and mycorrhizal compost on the growth and nutrient absorption of rubber seeds, and did not explore other potential benefits of using these materials. Finally, the study only used a limited number of treatments, and further research is needed to explore the potential of using other organic materials and microorganisms.

Future Research Directions

Based on the results of this study, several future research directions can be identified:

Further research is needed to explore the potential of using other organic materials and microorganisms to improve plant growth and resilience to environmental stress.
The study should be replicated in field conditions to determine the applicability of the results.
The study should be expanded to investigate the effect of TKKS and mycorrhizal compost on other crops and environmental conditions.

Conclusion

Q: What is TKKS and how does it affect plant growth?

A: TKKS stands for oil palm empty bunches, which are a type of organic material that can be used as a compost to improve plant growth. The study found that the use of TKKS compost with a dose of 300 g/plant had a significant impact on the growth of rubber seeds, especially in terms of plant height, N nutrient levels, N and P absorption, as well as the dry weight of the roots and canopy.

Q: What is mycorrhizal compost and how does it affect plant growth?

A: Mycorrhizal compost is a type of compost that contains mycorrhizal fungi, which are beneficial microorganisms that can form symbiotic relationships with plant roots. The study found that the provision of mycorrhizae significantly affected the degree of root infection and nutrient N levels, with a tendency to increase plant height, stem diameter, root dry weight, and root-ratio.

Q: What is the effect of drought stress on rubber seed growth?

A: Drought stress can have a significant impact on rubber seed growth, leading to reduced crop yields and lower quality rubber. The study found that the combination of TKKS and mycorrhizal compost, especially the type of acaulospora and glomus, can contribute positively to the growth of PB 260 clone rubber seeds in drought stress conditions.

Q: How can farmers and researchers use the results of this study to improve rubber seed growth?

A: The results of this study suggest that the use of TKKS compost with a dose of 300 g/plant and the provision of mycorrhizae can be used to improve rubber seed growth, especially in drought stress conditions. Farmers and researchers can use this information to develop strategies for sustainable rubber cultivation and to improve crop productivity in land that is vulnerable to drought.

Q: What are the limitations of this study and what future research directions are needed?

A: This study has several limitations, including the use of a controlled environment and the limited number of treatments. Further research is needed to explore the potential of using other organic materials and microorganisms to improve plant growth and resilience to environmental stress. Additionally, the study should be replicated in field conditions to determine the applicability of the results.

Q: What are the potential benefits of using TKKS and mycorrhizal compost in rubber seed cultivation?

A: The potential benefits of using TKKS and mycorrhizal compost in rubber seed cultivation include improved plant growth, increased resilience to drought stress, and improved crop productivity. Additionally, the use of these materials can help to reduce the environmental impact of rubber seed cultivation and promote sustainable agriculture practices.

Q: How can the results of this study be applied to other crops and environmental conditions?

A: The results of this study can be applied to other crops and environmental conditions by exploring the potential of using other organic materials and microorganisms to improve plant growth and resilience to environmental stress. Additionally, the study can be replicated in different environmental conditions to determine the applicability of the results.

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

A: The results of this study have significant implications for sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation. The use of TKKS and mycorrhizal compost can help to promote sustainable agriculture practices, reduce the environmental impact of agriculture, and improve crop productivity in land that is vulnerable to drought.