The prolonged overuse of inorganic fertilizers has raised environmental concerns, prompting the search for alternative nutrient management strategies that can maintain crop productivity. Vermicompost (VC) and vermicompost leachate (VCL) show promise as organic nutrient sources; however, their effectiveness under field conditions for medicinal crops remains inadequately documented. This study evaluated the effects of VC and VCL on the growth performance, soil properties, and nutrient assimilation of Clinacanthus nutans, a high-value medicinal herb with antiviral, wound-healing and anticancer agent. A field experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four treatments: (T1) control; (T2) recommended rate of chemical fertilizer; (T3) vermicompost (15 t ha(-1)); and (T4) an integrated treatment combining 50% chemical fertilizer with foliar VCL (2 mL L-1). Results indicated that the full CF treatment produced the highest biomass, whereas T4 achieved statistically comparable yields despite a 50% reduction in synthetic fertilizer input. Vermicompost significantly enhanced soil organic carbon and potassium availability but exhibited a slower nitrogen release. The T4 treatment also reduced soil alkalinity while promoting greater nutrient accumulation. Correlation analysis showed that plant nutrient concentrations, particularly nitrogen and potassium, were more closely associated with growth and biomass accumulation than total soil nutrient levels. These findings demonstrate that combining reduced chemical fertilization with vermicompost leachate represents a viable and bioeconomic strategy for sustainable cultivation of C. nutans without compromising yield.
Spent coffee grounds (SCG) represent a growing waste stream with potential for agricultural valorization, yet their direct soil application is limited by phytotoxic compounds. This study evaluated the physico-chemical properties and agronomic effectiveness of SCG compost enriched with biochar and agricultural residues. Four formulations were composted over 91 days: SCG (Heap 1), SCG with rice husk biochar (Heap 2), SCG with rice husk biochar and empty fruit bunches (Heap 3), and SCG germination index (GI), root elongation, and leaf cell wall thickness of maize (Zea mays L.) were assessed. Heap 3 exhibited the highest thermophilic activity (p = 0.0029 vs. Heap 1) and GI (95.3%). Biochar-amended treatments stabilized pH near neutrality, whereas SCG alone remained acidic. Linear regression confirmed significant weight reduction across all treatments (p < 0.001), with biochar enhancing mass retention. Lead (Pb) concentrations declined to undetectable levels by day 91 in all heaps. Root elongation was significantly greater in biochar-amended composts (6.46-7.50 cm) significantly increased maize leaf cell wall thickness relative to the control (mean difference = 0.201 & micro;m, p = 0.001). These findings demonstrate that biochar-enriched SCG composting produces mature, non-phytotoxic amendments that enhance maize seedling vigor and leaf structural development.
Assessing soil properties across differentforest types is a critical aspect of silviculture. This study aimed to investigate the variations in the characteristics of yellow-brown ferralitic soil beneath the canopy of tropical semi-moist evergreen closed forests subjected to varying intensities of selective logging in the Hoa Binh Hydropower Reservoir area, Hoa Binh Province, Vietnam. Twelve 1000 m2 plots representing rich, medium, poor, and mixed wood-bamboo forests were sampled. At each plot, soil sample was collected at two depths from five random points along an S-shaped transect, then composited by depth for physical and chemical analysis. The results showed that: (1) The characteristics of yellow-brown ferralitic soil varied significantly based on the forest types. Soil water content was higher in the rich and medium forests compared to the poor and mixed wood-bamboo forests. Soil clay content progressively increased from the rich forest to the poor forest, with the lowest levels found in the mixed wood-bamboo forest. Conversely, soil silt content tended to increase with forest degradation, while soil sand content decreased significantly as degradation intensified. (2) An increase in stand timber volume is linked to a decrease in soil bulk density and particle density. In contrast, it is associated with higher levels of soil pHKCl, as well as greater concentrations of soil organic matter, organic carbon and essential nutrients such as total nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. (3) Organic matter content in yellow-brown ferralitic soil was most strongly influenced by standing tree volume, followed by soil pHKCl, microbial community, and water content. The findings of this study not only contribute to a deeper understanding of soil dynamics under the influence of logging but also offer a scientific basis for the development of silvicultural practices and sustainable forest management strategies.
Rice production has recently declined, primarily due to reduced soil fertility and the high cost of synthetic fertilizers. This necessitated exploring greener alternatives, such as silicate-solubilizing bacteria (SSB), which are vital for enhancing soil fertility by making silicate available for plant use. The objectives of this study are to screen selected bacteria from culture collections for silicatesolubilizing properties, characterize them for silicate-solubilizing properties, and evaluate the effect of silicate-solubilizing bacteria on rice growth and yield. The study was laid out in an RCBD with 2 silicate sources (Calcium Silicate and Kaolinite) and 3 bacterial strains (UPMC1341, UPMC1446, and UPMC383), with B0 serving as a negative control. An 8-treatment combination and a total of 24 experimental units were supplied with silicates, inoculated with 3 SSBs on day one, and re-inoculated at 55 days after transplanting (DAP). In the results, bacterial strains, most importantly UPMC1446, significantly increased plant height and the number of tillers (29 + 2.08). UPMC1341 also increased the number of panicles/plant and the number of spikelets/panicle, 36+2.34, 211+2.25, respectively, in combination with Kaolinite. This research highlighted the efficacy of SSBs, most importantly UPMC1446 and UPMC1341, in solubilizing insoluble silicate, thereby enhancing rice growth and yield, particularly when supplied with kaolinite.
Mangroves are highly productive blue carbon (C) ecosystems with an exceptional capacity to store organic C in soils. Soil organic C storage in these systems is recognized as a key component of the global C cycle and an important natural mechanism for climate change mitigation. Nonetheless, knowledge of how soil C dynamics vary with forest development in mangrove plantations remains limited. To address this gap, the current study quantified changes in soil C stocks along a forest age sequence of Rhizophora apiculata Blume plantations in the Kien Vang coastal area, Ca Mau Province, Vietnam, through systematic field surveys. The results revealed that: (1) Soil C content and stocks significantly increased with the developing forestage. (2) Soil C concentration and storage significantly decreased with increasing of soil depth along forest age. (3) The stocks of total soil organic C (SCs) increased from 94.97 Mg. C. ha(-1)to 224.75 Mg. C. ha(-1), during forest development. SCs exhibited obvious surface aggregation, with more than 70% of SCs occurring in the soil of 0-40 cm depth, underscoring the pivotal role of surface soils in C sequestration. (4) Based on the random forest regression analysis, soil salinity, total nitrogen, and stand density were identified as the key factors regulating variations in SCs across forest age development, accounting for 15.3%, 13.4%, and 11.8% of the variation, respectively. These findings highlight the vital role of R. apiculata mangrove plantations as effective C sinks and underscore their contribution to global climate change mitigation efforts and sustainable forest management strategies for improved soil health.
This study assessed soil quality differences between five uniformly aged fruit orchards and an adjacent arboretum reference by applying the Tropical Soil Quality Index (TSQI), which integrates physical, chemical, and biological indicators. The arboretum, which has remained undisturbed relative to orchard management, was used as the benchmark for evaluating current soil condition after long term cultivation in orchard plots. Composite topsoil (0-30 cm) sampling was conducted by dividing each field into nine areas and combining five auger subsamples per area, with separate handling for microbial biomass analysis. Measured soil properties included texture, coarse fragments, bulk density, organic matter proxies (total carbon and total nitrogen), cation exchange capacity, exchangeable bases, available phosphorus, soil pH, exchangeable aluminium, microbial biomass carbon, and microbial biomass nitrogen. These were analysed using Analysis of Variance and TSQI scoring. The results showed clear differences between land uses, with the arboretum exhibiting lower bulk density than orchard soils. Chemical indicators also distinguished the arboretum, where organic matter related fertility indicators were higher (organic matter, total carbon, total nitrogen, cation exchange capacity) than in orchards. The arboretum also had a lower C/N ratio compared to the orchards. Nutrient patterns varied across sites with available phosphorus lowest in the arboretum while all sites remained within a deficient range, and exchangeable magnesium sufficient only in the arboretum but low in most orchards, despite exchangeable potassium being within a sufficient range across plots. Available phosphorus was lowest in the arboretum, although all sites were phosphorus-deficient. Exchangeable magnesium was sufficient only in the arboretum, while potassium levels were adequate across all plots. Soil pH and exchangeable aluminium were similar, with the arboretum showing slightly higher acidity and aluminium content. Biological indicators showed difference from the organic matter pattern, with microbial biomass carbon highest in one orchard soil and lowest in the arboretum, while microbial biomass nitrogen peaked in the arboretum and was lowest in another orchard. Soil quality was further assessed using the TSQI, which integrated multiple indicators into a single comparative framework. The arboretum recorded a higher index score (63.64%) than the fruit orchards (50.00%), primarily due to its greater total carbon, total nitrogen, and exchangeable magnesium, suggesting that rebuilding organic matter linked nutrient retention and alleviating magnesium limitation are central leverage points for improving orchard soil function under sustained management. These findings indicate that long-term conversion of forest land to fruit orchards, combined with intensive management practices, has gradually improved soil quality, with orchard soils approaching the benchmark condition represented by the arboretum. The results also confirm that the TSQI is a sensitive and effective tool for assessing soil condition in tropical agroecosystems and detecting changes driven by management over time.
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production often relies heavily on chemical nitrogen (N) fertilizers, raising concerns about costs, sustainability, and soil health. Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) represent a promising alternative that may reduce fertilizer inputs while maintaining fruit yield and quality. This study was undertaken to investigate the influence of two PGPB strains, Bacillus tequilensis (UPMRB9) and Bacillus subtilis (UPMB10), applied under different N levels on tomato performance and soil enzymatic activity. A glasshouse experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with nine treatments, combining bacterial inoculation and three N application rates (0, 50, and 100% of the recommended dose). Inoculated plants consistently performed better than the uninoculated control, with significant improvements in yield attributes (flower number, fruit number, fruit set, and fruit weight) and fruit quality traits. The combination of UPMRB9 with 50% of the recommended N rate (UPMRB9N50) produced the greatest effects, increasing fruit yield by 27.27%, lycopene content by 12.16%, antioxidant activity by 26.96%, and soil microbial activity by 11.14% compared with the full N dose without inoculation. Higher total soluble solids (5.15 degrees Brix) were also recorded in UPMRB9N50-treated plants, reflecting better fruit quality. Overall, the findings suggest that microbial inoculation, particularly with UPMRB9, can reduce Nfertilizer use by almost 50% while still enhancing tomato yield and fruit quality. Such results provide important preliminary evidence for adopting PGPB as a viable strategy to reduce chemical fertilizer dependency and promote more sustainable tomato production.
The development of clonal sago palm seedlings at the nursery stage is crucial to ensure vigorous establishment and subsequent field performance. A 120-day pot experiment was conducted at Sungai Talau Research Station, Dalat, Sarawak, Malaysia, to evaluate the growth response offour-month-old clonal sago palm seedlings to black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) frass and NPK Green fertilizer in Bekenu Series soil, a highly weathered tropical soil with low inherent fertility. Clonal sago palm seedlings were subjected to six treatments: unamended soil (S0), NPK Green alone (SN1), BSFL frass alone (SF), and three combinations of NPK Green with increasing rates of BSFL frass (SFN1, SFN2, SFN3). Results indicated that neither sole NPK Green nor the tested combinations achieved an optimum nutrient regime for significant improvement in seedling growth within the 120-day period. However, BSFL frass alone (SF) and its combined application with reduced NPK Green (SFN3) showed potential to enhance nutrient availability and soil fertility, suggesting that organic amendments can partially substitute inorganic fertilizer inputs in Bekenu Series soil. The lack of significant improvement in N, P, and K uptake and chlorophyll content at this early stage suggests that nutrient assimilation is constrained by limited root development. Thus, fertilizer regimes for clonal sago palm seedlings in Bekenu soil require reconsideration, with longer observation periods beyond 120 days recommended to fully assess the benefits ofBSFL frass as a soil fertility enhancer.
Tropical peat soils in Sarawak, Malaysia, are inherently acidic, nutrient-deficient, and highly susceptible to nutrient leaching under conventional fertilization practices. Ground sago bark ash (GSBA), an alkaline by-product derived from the sago processing industry, has potential to be used as soil amendment for mitigating major nutrient losses. A 30-day leaching experiment was conducted to determine the effects of combined application of GSBA with urea, Egyptian rock phosphate (ERP), and muriate of potash (MOP) on soil pH, major nutrient availability, and nutrient leaching behavior in tropical peat soil. After 30 day of soil leaching, co-application of GSBA with conventional fertilizers enhanced phosphorus retention but not significantly retained nitrogen and potassium. Although GSBA exhibited a slight positive effect on soil available phosphorus retention, GSBA has no effect to substantially improve soil N and K retention, as evidenced by the higher amounts of N and K leached from GSBA-treated soils and the lower residual N and K in the soil after 30 days of leaching study. In leaching study, co-application of GSBA with conventional fertilizer to mitigate N and K losses in peat soils, and its use as a peat soil amendment might not provide comparable Nand K retention benefits to conventional fertilizers.
Rice is a staple crop across much of the world, particularly in Asia. However, the presence of acid sulphate soils in Malaysia is a concern, as their high acidity and elevated aluminium content make them unsuitable for rice cultivation. Application of ground magnesium limestone (GML), basalt, biochar and compost as soil amendments to acid sulphate soil to neutralize the acidity and boost rice production has been implemented. However, the molecular implications of these soil amendments on rice yield are mainly unknown. Hence, a gel-free proteomic investigation was conducted to comprehensively understand the degree of protein expression in rice plants after the application. It was found that TCAacetone-phenol was the most effective protein extraction technique utilizing several solvents. Rice plants cultivated in acid sulphate soil with NPK fertilizer and GML had a maximum number of differentially expressed proteins in rice plants with amount of 1.286 mg/FWg. We found that protein expressions were downregulated in all soil amendments. Out of 769 proteins identified, 485 proteins were involved in the biological processes such as cellular process (405), metabolic process (401), response to stimulus (83), biological regulation (50), and localization (30). Further studies are needed to integrate omics approaches, especially transcriptomic and metabolomics, to better understand the molecular mechanisms of rice influenced by different soil amendments.
Various efforts have been made to achieve sustainability of oil palm plantations. The decline in soil fertility has reached an alarming limit in specific locations in North Sumatra. This research investigates the effect of modified palm discs through tillage and application of organic matter (OM) on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the discs of oil palm plants. The experiment was conducted at two estates with different soil types, Ultisol and Inceptisol. The study design used was a factorial randomized block design with two factors. The first factor was tillage, no-tillage, and tillage. The second factor was doses OM; 0, 50, 100, and 150 kg OM tree(-1). Locally available sources of OM, such as empty fruit bunches and cow dung compost, were applied. The results showed that soil tillage increased porosity, organic C, and Navailability ofP, K, Ca, and Mg in inceptisol soil and decreased porosity, organic C content, and K by 0.26-1.47%, and fauna population in ultisol soil. Increasing the dose of OM increased the C and K content, but the same pattern was not obtained for other soil chemical properties. The soil fauna population increased with increasing OM dose. The impact of providing organic matter and soil tillage differed for different soil types.
Pteris vittata L. is a well-known As-hyperaccumulator that can accumulate more than 1000 mu g g(-1) ofAs. Research on the effect of edaphic influences on the heavy metal(loid)s (HMs) accumulation of P. vittata is unknown and less reported. The heavy metal uptake in plants may be influenced by exogenous factors of soil, such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), etc. This study aims to investigate the association between the heavy metal(loid)s' accumulation of wild P. vittata populations with the soil physicochemical properties. The samples offronds were collected randomly from five different habitats and oven-dried; meanwhile, soil samples were air-dried and processed before undergoing further digestion analyses. The N concentrations was analysed using the Kjedahl method while P, K, Ca, Mg, As, Cd, Pb and Cr were analysed using ICP-OES. Soil analyses also involved nutrients and heavy metals analysis with the physicochemical (pH, CEC, EC and soil texture). The results showed that the highest HMs accumulation of P. vittata was As with 1380 + 140 mg kg(-1), Cd at 41.9 + 4.19 mg kg(-1), Pb at 7.57 + 3.68 mg kg(-1 )and Cr at 3.33 + 0.57 mg kg(-1). Among the HMs observed, only Pb had significant differences among P. vittata populations (p<0.05) while other HMs (As, Cd, Cr) were insignificant (p>0.05). Based on the Pearson correlation coefficient (r), there was a negative correlation offoliar As and foliar Cd with soil Cd (p<0.05). However, there was no correlation between the foliar HMs with other soil physicochemical properties (p>0.05). We conclude that wild P. vittata can absorb high concentrations ofAs but this uptake was uncoupled with the high concentrations of HMs in the soil. Further research is required to investigate the potential of HMs accumulation in P. vittata and the effect of HMs applications on the growth and physiology of P. vittata under controlled environments.
Utilizing spent coffee grounds for compost production presents an avenue to mitigate environmental issues. Converting spent coffee grounds into compost helps improve soil properties, enhancing soil structure stability, reducing compaction, enhancing water retention, and improving soil chemical properties. From the experiments conducted, it was observed that the production of compost from coffee grounds resulting from experiments 1 to 6 can effectively reduce the volume of organic waste, providing a sustainable use for this leftover material. The decomposition process consisted of two stages. The initial stage involved the decomposition by a group of mesophilic bacteria, taking approximately 2-4 days to reach a higher temperature range of 60-70 degrees C Subsequently, the decomposition of organic matter was facilitated by a group of thermophilic bacteria, with the temperature gradually decreasing to around 25-30 degrees Celsius, which closely approximated the ambient temperature of the compost pile. Overall, the decomposition process took between 80-90 days. Over an 80-90-day composting period, the process achieved optimal conditions, with moisture content ranging between 31.66-34.50%, electrical conductivity values of 0.71-0.79, pH levels between 6.60-7.51, and a carbon to nitrogen ratio of 16.78-18.56%. The compost's nutrient composition included nitrogen (1.43-1.80%), phosphorus (0.54-0.68%), and potassium (0.71-0.80%), adhering to the standards set by the Department of Agriculture, Thailand. Application of this compost significantly improved the growth of Brazilian spinach, evidenced by enhanced canopy width, branch number, plant height, and total weight, with statistical significance (P<0.05) compared to control groups. This study not only presents a sustainable approach to managing coffee waste but also provides insights into effective organic fertilizer production for agricultural use. When the compost was tested for its effectiveness on Brazilian Spinach growth, it was found that all experiments had a statistically significant impact (P<0.05) on the width of the canopy, number of branches, plant height, and total weight. Notably, the experimental set using 100% coffee grounds (control) resulted in the smallest average measurements for canopy width, number of branches, plant height, and total weight.
Soil erosion is a prevalent issue causing land degradation worldwide. This study aims to determine the spatial distribution of annual soil erosion through the utilization of the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model in Quetta sub-basin, situated in the southwestern region of Pakistan. To accomplish this, numerous data mining techniques were employed, along with machine learning algorithms, to produce thematic layers (R, K, LS, C, and P) that served as input parameters for the RUSLE model. According to the resultant model, soil erosion in the study area ranged from 0.00 to 866 tons per hectare per year. The estimated values for rainfall-runoff erosivity (R), soil erodibility (K), topography (LS), and cover management (C), factors ranged from 147 to 191 (MJ.mm.ha(-1).h(-1)year(-1)), 0.0229 to 0.0259 (t.ha.MJ(-1)mm(-1)), 0.002 to 360.77, and 0.001 to 1, respectively. The statistics revealed that 58% of the land in the study area experiences a very low degree of soil erosion, with an erosion rate of less than 13.58 t/ha/year. About 24% of the study area faces low erosion, with an erosion rate spanning from 13.58-44.16 t/ha/year. 13% of the area is demarcated as moderate soil erosion severity, at an erosion rate ranging from 44.16-81.53.14 t/ha/year. On the other hand, 5% of the study area experienced high to very high soil erosion, with an erosion rate of 81.53-866.34 t/ha/year. The northern part (Takatu range), north-eastern part (Zarghoon range) eastern-central (Murdar range), and western-southern (Chiltan range), which are characterized by steep slopes and barren land, experience high to very high severity of soil erosion. Decisively Remote Sensing and GIS, in combination with the RUSLE model, are significant for identifying input factors for modeling soil erosion and resource management. This study will provide firsthand guidance to assist policy/decision-makers and planners in pinpointing the erosion-prone areas that urgently need soil conservation measures.
Gunung Bromo Education Forest is a forest that functions as a buffer area to maintain the balance of the surrounding area. However, the undulating to hilly topography, the presence of rivers, and land management for annual crops can make the area vulnerable to erosion-induced degradation. This research aims to analyze and classify the erosion hazard level in Gunung Bromo Education Forest and analyze the relationship between research parameters and erosion in Gunung Bromo Education Forest. Erosion was predicted using the MUSLE method. This research used an explorative-descriptive method incorporating a survey and laboratory analysis. Furthermore, data analysis used was Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at a 5% significance level, and Pearson correlation test. The results showed that Gunung Bromo Education Forest erosion ranged from 0.025 to 78.36 t ha(-1)y(-1). The erosion hazard level in Gunung Bromo Education Forest is in the very light to heavy class and is dominated by the light class. The factors of erosivity (R), erodibility (K), slope (LS), and crop management (C) are positively correlated with erosion values. The conservation factor (P) is negatively correlated with erosion values. Making remedial efforts according to the erosion hazard level is important to avoid greater damage.
Mercury (Hg) contamination of ex-gold mining soils is of particular concern as it affects the availability of nutrients in the soil such as phosphorus (P). The interaction of Hg with P in soil needs to be studied quantitatively through amelioration technology that is expected to control Hg in the soil system. The purpose of this research is to study and analyze the correlation of Hg and P in ex-gold mining soil ameliorated with sub-bituminous coal and the activation of sub-bituminous coal with NaOH. The experimental design used in this study was a completely randomized design (CRD) with three (3) replications. The treatment I (Sub-bituminous coal) and II [activation of Sub-bituminous coal with 10% NaOH) was implemented in the pot with equivalent doses, respectively: (A) 0 [0g 100g(-1)soil], (B) 10 [0.5g 100g(-1) soil], (C) 20 [1g 100g(-1) soil], (D) 30 [1.5g 100g(-1) soil], and (E) 40 t ha(-1) [2.0g 100g(-1) soil]. The correlation and equation of linear regression between total Hg with Available P on ex-gold mining soil ameliorated with sub-bituminous coal [r =-0.922** and Hg =-0.206 (PO4-) + 7.0068; R-2 = 0.9052] and activation of sub-bituminous coal with 10% NaOH [r =-0.862** and Hg =-0.0265 (PO4-) + 6.2774; R-2 = 0.7851]. Amelioration technology on ex-gold mining soil with sub-bituminous coal and activation of sub-bituminous coal with 10% NaOH can reduce the total Hg by 2.50 and 2.84 mg kg(-1) and also increase the available P by 11.88 and 76.91 ppm PO4- respectively, compared to control.
The decomposition process of a partially submerged-buried body is not well understood causing difficulties in locating of a partially submerged clandestine grave. In order to address the influence of the excessive moisture on the decomposition of a cadaver, therefore, a simulated burial experiment was performed using fatty flesh of commercial pig (Sus scrofa). The fatty flesh was shallowly buried in mangrove soil system that consistently experiencing low and high tides. The fatty flesh was allowed to decompose for 120 days, and the associated soils were collected at 16 designated sampling points. The decomposition rate and soil post-experimental soil pH were measured. Whilst the soil cadaveric derived lipids were extracted using modified Bligh Dyer extraction method and analysed with Gas Chromatography Flame Ion Detector (GC-FID) to establish the lipid distribution profile for each of the decomposition stages. The post-experimental soil pH increased to be more alkali at the early decomposition stages and became acid towards completion of experiment. Similar trend was also observed for decomposition rate, with a rapid incline after day 3 of burial interval. The distribution of extractable lipids was different for different decomposition stages, with massive introduction of the lipids into the soil was observed between the initial and black putrefaction stages. The observed physicochemical changes of soil pH, decomposition rate and distribution of cadaveric derived lipids shall provide useful information to aid in locating the partially submerged clandestine grave, subsequently, to determine the postmortem interval of the deceased.
This study was conducted in the Manten Sub-Watershed Catchment Area, Malang Regency, focusing on the districts of Bululawang, Tajinan, Wajak, and Poncokusumo. The research assessed three land use types-plantations, rice fields, and gardens-each represented by five sampling sites to capture the variation in land use across the region. Results revealed that garden soils exhibited superior chemical health compared to rice fields and plantations. Key soil limitations identified included low organic carbon content, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and base saturation (BS), all of which were found to restrict soil fertility in the study area. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted soil management practices to enhance land productivity and promote sustainable agricultural practices in the region.
The quality of the plant growth medium (PGM) is crucial for the growth of horticultural plants, yet a common issue with PGM is its high electrical conductivity. Zeoponics, which uses zeolite as a base material often combined with compost, cocopeat, and fertilizers, helps mitigate this issue. However, Zeoponics still requires frequent watering due to limited water absorption. This research explores the incorporation of super absorbent polymer (SAP), known for absorbing 200 to 400 times its weight in water, to address this limitation. The study aimed to determine the optimal SAP quantity and assess plant survival duration with a new blend, termed zeoponic super absorbent (ZSA). Green mustard plants were used as indicators, with growth parameters such as height, fresh weight, and dry weight measured. Various ZSA blends were prepared with different SAP waste percentages (0%, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8%, and 1%). Results indicate that increasing SAP concentration improves soil water retention and field capacity. The ZSA blend with 1% SAP content exhibited the highest air-dry moisture content (71.92%) and field capacity (205.5%), reducing the watering frequency to approximately once every 21 days. Additionally, optimal plant growth parameters, including height, leaf width, leaf length, and stem diameter, were observed at the 1% SAP concentration. The highest fresh weight (58.60 g) and dry weight (14.72 g) were observed at 1.0% SAP (ZSA5), indicating optimal biomass growth at this concentration. These findings suggest that integrating SAP into Zeoponics can significantly enhance water retention, improve plant growth, and increase drought resistance. This offers a practical solution for agricultural practices in water-stressed environments.
Dry land in Gumantar Village, North Lombok, Indonesia, faces challenges due to limited water availability and low soil fertility, affecting golden melon (Cucumis melo L.) cultivation. Despite the benefits of organic fertilizers and mulch, their combined effects on golden melon growth and yield remain underexplored. This study analyzes the synergy between organic fertilizer and mulch in improving soil chemical properties and crop productivity. A Randomized Block Design (RBD) was used with three fertilizer treatments: P0 (Phonska + 0.6 tons.ha(-1)), P1 (Petroganik 2 tons.ha(-1)), and P2 (manure 4 tons.ha(-1)), combined with mulch (M1) or no mulch (M0). Each treatment was replicated three times, totaling 18 plots. Observed parameters included soil pH, C-organic content, cation exchange capacity (CEC), plant height, leaf number, biomass, moisture content, and fruit weight. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 26, including the Shapiro-Wilk test for normality. ANOVA at a 5% significance level identified treatment effects, followed by the Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) test. Pearson correlation examined variable relationships, while stepwise regression identified key influencing factors. Results showed soil pH ranged from 6.43 to 7.00, C-organic from 1.13% to 1.44%, and CEC from 11.63 to 14.01 cmol kg(-1). P1M1 produced the tallest plants (225.5 cm at 49 DAP), highest leaf number (58), and greatest fruit weight (28.95 tons.ha(-1)). Regression analysis (R-2 = 0.902) indicated that 90.2% of growth and yield variability was explained by soil parameters. These findings highlight the potential of integrating organic fertilizer and mulch to enhance golden melon production in dry land areas.
