This study aimed to assess the influence of mycorrhiza and variety on the growth and yield of chili pepper plants, along with the interaction between these two factors. The research employed a 3 × 4 Factorial Randomized Block Design (RAK), leading to 12 treatment combinations. Each combination was conducted three times, resulting in a total of 36 experimental units. The initial factor was the mycorrhiza amount, which included control, 10, 20, and 30 g for each plant. The second factor was chili variety, which included Panca, Rajo, and Ramos. The monitored parameters included increases in plant height, stem diameter, leaf count, flower count, fruit count per plant, fruit weight per plant, fresh stem weight, fresh root weight, root length, and percentage of roots infected with mycorrhiza. Inoculation with mycorrhiza significantly influenced plant height at 45 days after transplanting (DAT), but did not have a meaningful effect on plant height at 15 and 30 DAT, stem diameter at 15 and 30 DAT, number of leaves, number of flowers, number of fruits per plant, fresh stem weight, fresh root weight, and root length. The effect of varieties on the parameters observed showed no significant effect on plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, number of flowers, number of fruits per plant, fresh weight of the stem, fresh weight of the roots, and root length. Keywords: root length, mycorrhiza, varieties
The essential oil industry produces large amounts of underutilized solid waste containing lignocellulosic compounds that can potentially support the growth of edible mushrooms. This research was conducted to evaluate the potential utilization of solid waste from citronella (Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle) and patchouli (Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth.) as alternative substrates for oyster mushroom (Pleurotus spp.) cultivation. The experimental design employed a completely randomized factorial design incorporating two treatment factors: oyster mushroom varieties (white and brown strains) and eight substrate composition variations, with one control treatment serving as a baseline comparison. Substrate formulations were developed using various combinations of citronella and patchouli waste mixed with conventional materials. The results demonstrated that aromatic waste-based substrates with balanced formulations, specifically M1, M2, and M5, produced significantly higher fresh weights and fruiting body counts, closely approaching the performance of the control treatment (M0B1), which recorded the highest biological efficiency of 42.37% within a cultivation period of approximately 56 days. Conversely, single dominant waste substrates, such as M3 and M6, yielded smaller fruiting bodies and lower total biomass production. Statistical analysis revealed a positive correlation between fruiting body quantity and fresh weight, supporting the use of morphological traits as reliable indicators of cultivation productivity. These findings highlight the significant potential of essential oil industry waste as a sustainable and economically viable alternative cultivation medium for oyster mushroom production, provided that substrates are formulated with appropriate proportional compositions and are properly adapted to their specific chemical characteristics and nutritional properties. Keywords: biological efficiency, citronella, growth media, patchouli, Pleurotus spp.
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of nutrient concentration, bucket size, and pruning on the growth and yield of melon plants (Cucumis melo L.). The experiment was arranged using a completely randomized design (CRD) with a factorial design consisting of three factors: nutrient concentration (1500 and 2000 ppm), bucket size (large and small), and pruning (pruned and unpruned). The research stages included greenhouse sterilization, installation of a modified Dutch bucket system with four nutrient outlet holes, seedling, planting, maintenance, and harvesting. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey’s post hoc test at a 95% confidence level. The results showed that the modified Dutch bucket system functioned effectively, with efficient nutrient circulation. The environmental conditions in the greenhouse ranged from 31.3°C to 39.7°C, relative humidity from 30% to 59.3%, and light intensity from 2445.7 to 23651.7 lux. Nutrient concentration significantly affected plant height, leaf width, root fresh weight, fruit weight, fruit diameter, and fruit sweetness, whereas bucket size significantly influenced fruit weight, fruit diameter, and fruit sweetness. Pruning significantly affected only the plant height. The best treatment was 1500 ppm nutrient concentration using a large bucket without pruning, producing the highest values for leaf width (27.2 cm), root fresh weight (112.44 g), fruit weight (1517 g), fruit diameter (47 cm), and fruit sweetness (10.67 °Brix). These findings indicate that optimal nutrient concentration and bucket size are key factors for improving melon productivity under hydroponic conditions. Keywords: Cucumis melo L, Dutch bucket, greenhouse, hydroponics, nutrients
Oil palms have significant growth potential owing to their favorable prospects in domestic and international markets, serving as a primary source of income for local communities. As oil palm farming serves as the main source of income for local communities, its sustainability must be ensured. However, there are challenges, notably the declining production of oil palm crops as plantations reach a certain age. To address this, the government launched the People’s Oil Palm Replanting Program (PSR), aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of managing oil palm farming activities. However, the high costs associated with replanting often impose financial burdens on farmers. This study proposes an income set-aside system for smallholder farmers during the productive life of their plantations to alleviate the financial burden of replanting the palms. This article discusses the calculation of farmers’ remaining household income and the amount of savings they need to accumulate funds for oil palm replanting activities. The data were quantitatively processed, including calculations of household income, expenditures, and remaining household income, and the value of savings for oil palm replanting preparation using the Sinking Fund Factor method. The study results revealed that most oil palm farmers (72%) have a sufficient amount of remaining household income that can be set aside as savings to prepare funds for oil palm replanting. Farmers need to allocate only 6.07% of their total household income, equivalent to IDR 678,165 per plantation area per month, to save for replanting oil palms. Keywords: farmers’ savings, oil palm farming, replanting fund
This study evaluates the impact of social inequality, measured by gini index and poverty rate, on food security across Indonesian provinces during the 2019–2023 period, incorporating the mean years of schooling as a moderating variable. Utilizing panel data from 34 provinces and a fixed effects model, the findings reveal that poverty has a significant negative effect on food security, while the gini index representing income inequality shows no effect. However, when moderated by education, the gini index becomes significant, highlighting the role of education in amplifying the effects of social inequality. Provinces with higher education levels display greater sensitivity to poverty and inequality because of increased expectations for food quality and living standards. Education functions as a direct determinant and as a social mechanism that enhances nutritional literacy, awareness of equitable food distribution, and community adaptive capacity during food crises. These results underscore the need for effective food security policies that integrate human capital development strategies, particularly in education. Practical implications include the promotion of agricultural education, food literacy training, and community empowerment programs in vulnerable regions. This study recommends a multidimensional approach to food security policies that extends beyond production and distribution to emphasize social equity, poverty reduction, and educational strengthening. Keywords: food security, gini index, mean years of schooling, poverty rate, social inequality
