Utilization Of SP-36 Fertilizer And Phosphate Solvent Microbes In Increasing The Availability And Absorption Of Corn Plants (Zea Mays L.) In Andisol Soil

by ADMIN 154 views

Utilization of SP-36 Fertilizer and Phosphate Solvent Microbes in Increasing the Availability and Absorption of Corn Plants (Zea mays L.) in Andisol Soil

Introduction

The availability and absorption of phosphorus (P) by corn plants (Zea mays L.) in Andisol soil is a crucial factor in determining the productivity of corn crops. Andisol soil, which is a type of volcanic ash soil, often has low phosphorus availability, making it challenging for corn plants to absorb this essential nutrient. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of SP-36 fertilizer and phosphate solvent microbes on increasing the availability and absorption of P by corn plants in Andisol soil.

Methodology

The study was conducted in the Laboratory of Soil Biology, Research and Technology Laboratory, and the Home Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara. A factorial random group design (shelf) with two treatment factors and three replications was used. The first factor was the application of SP-36 fertilizer with four treatments: P0 (no SP-36 fertilizer), P1 (50 kg SP-36 per hectare equivalent to 0.8 g P2O5 per polybag), P2 (75 kg SP-36 per hectare equivalent to 1.2 g P2O5 per polybag), and P3 (100 kg SP-36 per hectare equivalent to 1.6 g P2O5 per polybag). The second factor involved the use of phosphate solvent microbes with three treatments: M1 (100 g of Phosphate Solvent Bacteria in coconut husk compost medium), M2 (100 g of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi), and M3 (100 g of a combination of Phosphate Solvent Bacteria and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi).

Research Results

The results of the study showed that the application of SP-36 fertilizer had a significant effect on soil pH, P availability, P uptake by plants, and dry matter yield. However, the application of this fertilizer did not have a significant effect on wet matter yield and P efficiency. On the other hand, the use of phosphate solvent microbes had a positive and significant effect on P availability, P uptake by plants, and P efficiency. However, the interaction between SP-36 fertilizer and phosphate solvent microbes did not show a significant effect on all tested parameters.

Additional Analysis and Explanation

SP-36 fertilizer contains essential phosphorus for plant growth, particularly for corn plants that require a large amount of this nutrient for root development and flower formation. Increasing soil pH due to the application of SP-36 fertilizer also contributes to the solubility of P in the soil, making it more easily accessible by plants. Meanwhile, phosphate solvent microbes play an important role in increasing the availability of P that is bound in the form of compounds that cannot be used by plants. This microorganism is able to convert insoluble P into a form that can be absorbed by the roots of plants.

The combination of chemical fertilizers and phosphate solvent microbes can be an effective strategy for increasing the growth of corn plants, especially in Andisol soil which often has low phosphorus availability. The development of the use of fertilizers and phosphate solvent microbes has great potential in increasing the productivity of corn plants. This is expected to provide better economic benefits for farmers and support the sustainability of agriculture in Indonesia.

Conclusion

This study provides useful insights for agricultural practices, especially in optimizing the use of fertilizers and microbes in increasing the absorption of plant nutrients. It is hoped that this knowledge can be adopted by farmers and researchers in an effort to increase agricultural outcomes on an ongoing basis. The use of SP-36 fertilizer and phosphate solvent microbes can be a valuable tool for improving the productivity of corn crops in Andisol soil, and further research is needed to explore the potential of this approach.

Recommendations

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

  1. The use of SP-36 fertilizer and phosphate solvent microbes can be an effective strategy for increasing the growth of corn plants in Andisol soil.
  2. Further research is needed to explore the potential of this approach and to identify the optimal combination of fertilizers and microbes for different types of soil and crops.
  3. The development of new technologies and products that can enhance the availability and absorption of P by plants is necessary to support the sustainability of agriculture in Indonesia.
  4. The use of phosphate solvent microbes can be a valuable tool for improving the productivity of corn crops in Andisol soil, and further research is needed to explore the potential of this approach.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on the following areas:

  1. Investigating the effect of different types of fertilizers and microbes on the availability and absorption of P by plants in Andisol soil.
  2. Identifying the optimal combination of fertilizers and microbes for different types of soil and crops.
  3. Developing new technologies and products that can enhance the availability and absorption of P by plants.
  4. Exploring the potential of using phosphate solvent microbes in combination with other microorganisms to improve the productivity of corn crops in Andisol soil.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations that should be noted:

  1. The study was conducted in a controlled environment, and the results may not be applicable to real-world conditions.
  2. The study only investigated the effect of SP-36 fertilizer and phosphate solvent microbes on the availability and absorption of P by plants in Andisol soil.
  3. The study did not investigate the effect of other factors that may influence the availability and absorption of P by plants, such as soil pH, temperature, and moisture.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides useful insights for agricultural practices, especially in optimizing the use of fertilizers and microbes in increasing the absorption of plant nutrients. The use of SP-36 fertilizer and phosphate solvent microbes can be a valuable tool for improving the productivity of corn crops in Andisol soil, and further research is needed to explore the potential of this approach.
Q&A: Utilization of SP-36 Fertilizer and Phosphate Solvent Microbes in Increasing the Availability and Absorption of Corn Plants (Zea mays L.) in Andisol Soil

Q: What is the purpose of this study?

A: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of SP-36 fertilizer and phosphate solvent microbes on increasing the availability and absorption of phosphorus (P) by corn plants (Zea mays L.) in Andisol soil.

Q: What is Andisol soil?

A: Andisol soil is a type of volcanic ash soil that is commonly found in tropical regions. It is known for its low phosphorus availability, which can limit plant growth.

Q: What is SP-36 fertilizer?

A: SP-36 fertilizer is a type of chemical fertilizer that contains essential phosphorus for plant growth. It is commonly used in agriculture to improve crop yields.

Q: What are phosphate solvent microbes?

A: Phosphate solvent microbes are microorganisms that are able to convert insoluble phosphorus into a form that can be absorbed by plant roots. They play an important role in increasing the availability of phosphorus in the soil.

Q: How did the study investigate the effect of SP-36 fertilizer and phosphate solvent microbes?

A: The study used a factorial random group design (shelf) with two treatment factors and three replications. The first factor was the application of SP-36 fertilizer with four treatments, and the second factor involved the use of phosphate solvent microbes with three treatments.

Q: What were the results of the study?

A: The results of the study showed that the application of SP-36 fertilizer had a significant effect on soil pH, P availability, P uptake by plants, and dry matter yield. However, the application of this fertilizer did not have a significant effect on wet matter yield and P efficiency. On the other hand, the use of phosphate solvent microbes had a positive and significant effect on P availability, P uptake by plants, and P efficiency.

Q: What are the implications of the study?

A: The study suggests that the use of SP-36 fertilizer and phosphate solvent microbes can be an effective strategy for increasing the growth of corn plants in Andisol soil. It also highlights the importance of optimizing the use of fertilizers and microbes in increasing the absorption of plant nutrients.

Q: What are the limitations of the study?

A: The study has several limitations, including the fact that it was conducted in a controlled environment and the results may not be applicable to real-world conditions. Additionally, the study only investigated the effect of SP-36 fertilizer and phosphate solvent microbes on the availability and absorption of P by plants in Andisol soil.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: Future research should focus on investigating the effect of different types of fertilizers and microbes on the availability and absorption of P by plants in Andisol soil. Additionally, identifying the optimal combination of fertilizers and microbes for different types of soil and crops is also an important area of research.

Q: What are the recommendations for farmers and researchers?

A: The study recommends that farmers and researchers consider using SP-36 fertilizer and phosphate solvent microbes as a strategy for improving the productivity of corn crops in Andisol soil. Additionally, further research is needed to explore the potential of this approach and to identify the optimal combination of fertilizers and microbes for different types of soil and crops.

Q: What are the potential applications of this research?

A: The potential applications of this research include improving the productivity of corn crops in Andisol soil, reducing the use of chemical fertilizers, and increasing the sustainability of agriculture in Indonesia.

Q: What are the potential benefits of this research?

A: The potential benefits of this research include improving crop yields, reducing the cost of production, and increasing the income of farmers. Additionally, the research can also contribute to the development of sustainable agriculture practices in Indonesia.

Q: What are the potential challenges of this research?

A: The potential challenges of this research include the need for further research to explore the potential of this approach and to identify the optimal combination of fertilizers and microbes for different types of soil and crops. Additionally, the study also highlights the need for more research on the long-term effects of using SP-36 fertilizer and phosphate solvent microbes on the soil and the environment.