Jurnal Lahan Suboptimal : Journal of Suboptimal Lands

Biology and management of the insect pest threatens global maize production, fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda: an Africa and Asia perspective

2025-02-13T10:14:30+07:00

Fall armyworms, Spodoptera frugiperda (J./E. Smith) are among the most serious insect pests in maize and many other crops, particularly in some Asian countries and sub-Saharan Africa. The study aimed to explores the significance of the biological characters and the management strategies to reduce damage caused by FAW. Understanding this destructive insect pest will guide maize growers and agricultural professionals to develop the most effective and sustainable FAW control methods. The caterpillar fed on the leaves and interferes with pollination and fertilization processes, significantly reducing the yield losses in maize, which was one of the main staple food for most smallholder farmers in Africa. Due to their immediate action, synthetic chemical pesticides were the most conventionally used in the control of FAW, even though this method had many weaknesses, including environmental pollution, food safety concerns, insecticide resistance, and effects on non-target organisms. In recent years, biological control agents (BCAs) have been developed as an alternative to the conventional use of chemical pesticides in integrated pest management (IPM) systems of FAW pests. The present BCAs of FAW were parasitoids, predators, and entomopathogens.

Response of soil physics properties to liquid organic fertilizer from liquid waste from tofu factories and banana tubers in ultisol

2025-07-28T13:21:32+07:00

Productivity in ultisols was not only determined by mineral content, but was also influenced by the physical properties of the soil. Soil physical properties were soil properties that were determined by its constituent materials such as water content, bulk density, total pore space and permeability. The study aimed to determine the effect of the application of liquid organic fertilizer from tofu factory liquid waste on the physical properties of soil in ultisols. This research was designed using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with six treatment levels (control treatment, single fertilizers N, P, and K as recommended doses, 125 ml, 250 ml, 375 ml and 500 ml Liquid Organic Fertilizer (LOF) from tofu factory wastewater and banana tubers. Each treatment was repeated 4 times, so there were 24 experimental units. The results showed that LOF treatment had a significant effect on bulk density, total pore space, and permeability and had no significant effect on moisture content in field capacity of green mustard plants in ultisols. The highest value obtained in the LOF treatment is at a dose of 250 ml which had a field capacity water content value of 29.63%, bulk density 0.95 g/cm³, total pore space of 64.00% and soil permeability of 11.56 cm/hour.

Diversity insect in the Vegetative Phase of Arenga pinnata (wurmb) merr. in Tanjung Miring Village, Muara Enim

2025-02-19T14:21:18+07:00

One of the factors that support the growth of sugar palm plants was the presence of insects that indirectly play an important role in the ecosystem of these plants. The study aimed to determine the abundance, diversity, and role of insects associated with young sugar palm plants (vegetative) in Tanjung Miring Village. The method used was purposive random sampling by setting yellow sticky traps and pitfall traps. Data collection techniques were obtained through direct observation in the field by setting two traps and interviews with sugar palm plant farmers using a questionnaire. The results showed that there were 21 insect species belonging to 18 families from 8 orders. Three important insect groups consisted of 9 types of pollinating insects, 7 types of herbivorous insects, and 5 types of decomposing insects. The abundance of pollinating and decomposing insects was dominated by the orders Hymenoptera and Diptera with a total of 338 individuals. The highest insect species diversity was found in the yellow trap with 13 species and a Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H') of 2.17. While pitfall traps, only 8 species of insects were found with an H' value of 1.43. The high diversity and abundance of yellow traps showed the dominance of active flying insects, especially pollinators, with the highest relative abundance (Di=2.43). The complex ecosystem of the sugar palm groves is an important habitat for various insects with complementary ecosystem functions.

Identification of agronomic characters of F1 rice plants derived from crossing Inpara 8 and Inpago 12 varieties

2024-04-01T12:10:02+07:00

Suboptimal rice productivity in the swamp was due to both drought stress and submergence stress during the lifetime of the rice, and swamp rice could only be planted once a year. One of the efforts to increase the productivity of swamp rice was to develop rice varieties that can tolerate drought stress and submergence stress. The study aimed to validate the success of the F1 cross and to develop rice varieties exhibiting dual tolerance through backcrossing. Data analysis utilized Analysis of Variance followed by 5% test. The planting method uses a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Observed variables included plant height, number of tillers per clump, number of panicles per clump, number of grains per panicle, number of grains per clump, weight of grain per panicle, dry weight of harvested grain, dry weight of grain, weight of 1000 grains, percentage of empty grains, flowering age, and harvesting age. Evaluations of growth characteristics revealed no significant differences in genetic traits and characteristics between the crossed rice and the parental lines. Flowering age and harvesting age of rice Inpago 12 elders were faster than Inpara 8 elders. Plant height of Inpago 12 elders was higher than Inpara 8 elders. This was due to differences in genetic traits and characters between varieties, and finally it was concluded that F1 accessions were successfully crossed and did not single-cross.

Some chemical properties of mineral soil under peat layer at Sriwijaya Botanical Garden

2024-04-01T12:25:56+07:00

Natural peat forms from partially decomposed plant remains, at least 50 cm thick, accumulating in swamps over alluvial subsoil. The research aimed to identify peat maturity, peat depth and color of mineral soil. Additionally, to identify some soil chemical properties such as soil pH, N-total, C-organic and P-available under the peat layer in Siwijaya Botanical Garden. This study used a detailed survey method at a scale of 1:8,000 on peatland areas in Sriwijaya Botanical Garden covering 77 ha. Sampling was conducted using the systematic sampling method. The analysis of soil chemical properties was conducted in the laboratory. The study results showed that the thickness of the peat at the study location was dominantly very deep with a peat depth of >300 cm, the color of the mineral soil in the peat layer was predominantly gray and very dark gray, the pH value of the soil was very acidic with a value of <4.5, the C-Organic value was categorized as average to very high, the N-Total value was categorized as very low to average and the P-Available value was categorized as very low to low. Peat depths of more than 300 cm should be planted with conservation crops and further research needs to be done on the relationship between the chemical properties of the mineral soil under peat layers and the chemical properties of the peat soil.

Limiting factor for developing soybean under tropical climatic conditions in lowland areas of Tanjung Lago Banyuasin District

2025-02-19T12:13:49+07:00

Tidal lowlands have a wide distribution in Indonesia and have the potential to support the development of soybean cultivation. However, soybean cultivation in the tidal lowlands often faces various challenges. The study aimed to identify land suitability, limiting factors, and soybean cultivation strategies in tidal lowland type B. This study used a survey method, and sampling points were determined by the purposive sampling method. The research was carried out in several stages, namely preparation, field activities, laboratory analysis, and data analysis. Data analysis was carried out by matching the results of field and laboratory analysis with the requirements for soybean land suitability. The results of the study showed that the research land was moderately suitable for soybean cultivation in terms of the actual land suitability level, namely S3-wa, nr, na, and xs with limiting factors of rainfall, soil pH, C-Organic, K₂O, and pyrite depth. While the potential land suitability class could be done by improving irrigation and drainage channels, liming, adding organic matter, fertilization, and regulating the water level with high-level management (++) to potential suitability S1 (very suitable) and for pyrite problems (FeS₂) through moderate management (+) with groundwater level control to potential suitability S2 (moderately suitable). Management recommendations that can be applied to soybean cultivation were to regulate planting patterns and micro water management.

Liquid organic fertilizer concentration of pineapple peel on the growth and production of black potato, Plectranthus rotundifolius (poir.) Spreng

2025-02-19T10:36:25+07:00

The research aimed to determine the effect of applying liquid organic fertilizer from pineapple peel on the growth of black potato, Plectranthus rotudifolius (poir) Spreng. In this research the method used was Randomized Block Design (RBD) method with six treatment levels, each treatment repeated four times across four blocks, resulting in 24 experimental units. In this study, six treatments were applied, consisting of various concentrations of liquid organic fertilizer from pineapple peel P0 = no treatment, P1= 10%, P2= 15%, P3= 20%, P4= 25% and P5= 30. The research used manure and NPK fertilizer as basic fertilizer in soil planting media. The results showed that the application of pineapple peel had a significant effect on the growth parameters of black potatoes, especially on root fresh weight, shoot fresh weight and tuber volume, treatment P4 (25%) produced the highest shoot fresh weight, average 535.75 g, while P2 the lowest average was 332.25 g, the highest fresh root weight was 18.25 g, while the lowest P1 was 10.75 g and tuber volume had a significant effect on treatment P2 (15%) producing the highest volume namely 4.89 g, while the lowest was 4.10 g. The application of 15% pineapple peel liquid organic fertilizer significantly increased crown fresh weight, root fresh weight, and tuber volume of black potato, while having no significant effect on other growth parameters.

The growth and yield of Capsicum annuum L. variety Gada F1 on NPK 16:16:16 fertilizer

2024-04-01T12:27:17+07:00

Red chili was one of the most strategic vegetable commodities because the market demand was high every day. Efforts to increase chili productivity were needed so that chili prices were stable and market demand was met. The research aimed to determine the growth and yield of the red chili Gada F1 variety against NPK 16:16:16 fertilizer. This research uses the Randomized Block Design (RBD) method, consisting of 4 treatment levels and 3 replications. P₀ = control, P₁ = NPK fertilizer 2.5 g/polybag, P₂ = NPK fertilizer 5 g/polybag, and P₃ = NPK fertilizer 7.5 g/polybag. The application of NPK 16:16:16 fertilizer to the growing medium significantly influenced several growth and yield parameters, including the number of leaves, crown diameter, leaf greenness, fruit weight, number of fruits, fruit length, and fruit diameter. In contrast, it had no statistically significant effect on plant height, flowering time, number of branches, root fresh weight, crown fresh weight, root dry weight, or crown dry weight. Among the treatments, the application rate of 7.5 g/polybag (P3) yielded the most favorable results across the majority of measured parameters. Accordingly, an NPK 16:16:16 dosage of 7.5 g/polybag was recommended for the cultivation of the red chili (Capsicum annuum L.) variety Gada F1.

Cadmium in the roots and leaves of tea (Camellia sinensis L.) at PTPN 7 Pagar Alam unit, South Sumatra, Indonesia

2025-03-05T14:13:28+07:00

The excessive and intensive application of chemical fertilizers can increase the concentration of heavy metals in the soil. This study aimed to determine Cd deposition in tea roots and leaves using the Detailed Survey method, with sampling points determined using the stratified sampling method, which involves dividing the samples into several age ranges for the plants. The average concentration of Cd in the roots was 0.015 ± 0.004 mg/kg, while in the tea leaves it was 0.010 ± 0.003 mg/kg. The absorption of Cd in tea plant leaves shows the lowest average absorption rate in samples aged 15–25 years, particularly in plants that were 1 year old after production pruning, at 0.005 mg per plant. However, its content remains well below the maximum threshold of cadmium in tea, which was set at 1.0 mg/kg. The age of the plants does not substantially affect the accumulation of Cd in tea leaves; however, tea pruning does affect the accumulation of Cd in the leaves. The research findings indicate that the concentration of Cd in the roots and leaves of tea plants was very low, far below the established Cd threshold, influenced by regular pruning, which results in minimal Cd absorption in the tea leaves. Leaves were considered safe for consumption by humans and animals. Data on the levels of Cd in tea roots and leaves are still rarely found, so it was recommended to further investigate Cd in tea roots and leaves.

Growth and yield response of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) planted floatingly to optimization of NPK compound fertilizer

2025-02-19T13:17:33+07:00

Urban agriculture had expanded rapidly in response to growing population pressures and climate change, especially in densely populated areas of developed countries. South Sumatra holds significant potential for developing floating agricultural systems. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of compound NPK fertilizer and a floating planting system on lettuce growth. A Randomized Block Design (RBD) with four treatment levels was used. Each treatment was repeated 3 times, resulting in 12 treatment units. In the treatment of NPK compound fertilizer doses, P0 = Control, P1 = 1.12 g NPK compound/polybag, P2 = 2.24 g NPK compound/polybag, P3 = 3.36 g NPK compound/polybag. The observation results were analyzed using analysis of variance and the DMRT 5% test. The parameters observed include plant height, number of leaves, fresh weight of the plant, fresh weight of the roots, dry weight of the roots, root length, leaf greenness level, leaf area, and canopy area. Based on the research findings, the application of compound NPK fertilizer at a rate of 2.24 g/polybag (P2) resulted in the most favorable growth and yield performance of floating lettuce, as it consistently produced the highest mean values across all observed parameters. However, the calculated optimum dosage was 2.05 g/polybag. This rate is therefore recommended as the optimal application dose for subsequent studies.

Utilization of coal burning waste fly ash as a soil improving material in red yellow podsolic soil

2025-01-10T13:28:30+07:00

This research aimed to characterize and test the chemical properties of red-yellow podzolic soil and fly ash. The experiment was conducted using polybags with various dosage levels of 2 types of red-yellow podzolic soil, as well as fly ash. Dolomite was used as a control. The experiment used 3 types of experiments with 3 repetitions on the soil (A1=10 g of fly ash /polybag, A2=15 g of fly ash/polybag, A3=20 g of fly ash/polybag, and A0=10 g of dolomite/polybag as a control). The results showed that the application of fly ash waste can increase the pH of podzolic soil. There was an increase in K-dd from 0.34 to 1.36. Al-dd analysis of the addition of fly ash ameliorant Al-dd levels decreased quite significantly with an average of 5.26‒7.16. Al-dd levels were very low in treatment A3 with the addition of 20 g/polybag. H-dd analysis on Red and Yellow Podzolic soils resulted in an increase in the initial H-dd of the soil from 0.4 to 4.61‒7.16. The highest H-dd was in A2 with the addition of 15 g of fly ash/polybag and the lowest H-dd iss in treatment A3 with the addition of 20 g/polybag.

Diversity and role of insects on vegetation around sugar palm (Arenga pinnata) plants in Tanjung Miring Village, Muara Enim Regency

2025-02-19T14:20:03+07:00

Arenga pinnata (sugar palm) was a crop of high ecological, economic, and social in South Sumatra, particularly in Muara Enim Regency. Despite its importance, limited scientific information regarding the diversity and ecological functions of insect communities associated with this species. This study aimed to identify and classify insect taxa specifically decomposers, phytophagous, pollinators, and natural enemies found in and around sugar palm stands in Tanjung Miring Village. Field observations were conducted using purposive sampling, and insect specimens were collected through four established methods: yellow sticky traps, pitfall traps, sweep nets, and manual hand collection. A total of 850 insect individuals were recorded, with the greatest abundance observed on trees possessing trunk diameters between 31‒40 cm. Hymenoptera was the most frequently encountered order, with Monomorium minimum identified as the most dominant species. Among the collection methods, yellow sticky traps yielded the highest number of individuals. Biodiversity analysis revealed a Shannon-Wiener index (H′) of 2.47, indicating moderate diversity. The evenness index (E) was 0.73, suggesting relatively low species distribution uniformity, while the dominance index (D) was 0.13, implying the absence of a single dominant species within the community. Statistical analysis using NCSS software demonstrated a significant effect of trap type on insect abundance, but no significant differences were found based on insect order, tree diameter, or observation period. These findings underscore the ecological importance of insect diversity in sugar palm ecosystems, as various functional groups such as pollinators, herbivores, and decomposers play vital roles in supporting the growth, productivity, and sustainability.