Critical Land Characteristics in Aceh Besar

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 36 views

Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) in the Critical Land of Aceh Besar Regency with Mulch Input and Organic Fertilizer

Introduction

In the vast expanse of Aceh Province, there lies a critical land of 860,659.93 hectares that requires urgent attention, particularly in the fields of agriculture and animal husbandry. The dry land in this region poses significant challenges to farmers, making it essential to explore innovative methods to improve soil quality and increase agricultural productivity. Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench), a drought-tolerant crop, has emerged as a promising solution to this problem. This article delves into the importance of cultivating sorghum in the critical land of Aceh Besar Regency, supported by mulch input and organic fertilizer.

Critical Land Characteristics in Aceh Besar

The first experiment aimed to describe the characteristics of critical dry land found in Indrapuri District, Aceh Besar Regency. A comprehensive study was conducted using survey and laboratory analysis methods. Soil sampling was carried out at 20 observation points in areas considered critical, particularly in the Districts of Indrapuri and Blang Bintang. The survey results revealed that the land in these two districts is classified as critical, with various challenges to fertility and soil quality. The critical land in Aceh Besar Regency is characterized by low soil fertility, poor drainage, and limited water availability, making it essential to explore innovative methods to improve soil quality.

Growth and Sorghum Production

The second experiment focused on two aspects. First, the evaluation of the growth and production of sorghum plants on critical land in Indrapuri District, both during the first planting period (PC) and in the Ratoon I period with the addition of mulch and organic fertilizer. Second, analysis of the nature of critical dry land with the influence of the use of mulch and organic fertilizer. The research design used is a separate plot design (split plot design) with two treatment factors: factor I is mulch (without straw mulch and with straw mulch) and factor II is an organic material (without organic fertilizer, cow manure, compost, and a combination of both). The use of mulch and organic fertilizer has been shown to improve soil fertility, increase water retention, and promote healthy plant growth, making it an essential component of sustainable agriculture in Aceh Besar Regency.

Results and Discussion

From the results of the study, it can be concluded that sorghum cultivation, both without and with the use of mulch and organic fertilizer, can improve the nature of critical dry land in Indrapuri District. Improvements that are seen include increasing the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil. In the first planting period, treatment with compost showed the highest sorghum production compared to fertilizer treatment. This also occurs in the Ratoon I period, where the best production is obtained from compost treatment, which significantly increases yields compared to without organic fertilizer. The use of compost as an organic fertilizer has been shown to improve soil fertility, increase crop yields, and promote sustainable agriculture, making it an essential component of agricultural development in Aceh Besar Regency.

Conclusion

This study shows that the cultivation of sorghum plants in the critical land of Aceh Besar Regency can be done with positive results if supported by the use of mulch and organic fertilizer. This effort is very important to increase soil fertility and support sustainable agriculture in the area. Through this research, it is hoped that there will be a better understanding of effective sorghum cultivation techniques and critical land rehabilitation efforts for increasing agricultural productivity in Aceh Besar. The use of mulch and organic fertilizer has been shown to improve soil fertility, increase crop yields, and promote sustainable agriculture, making it an essential component of agricultural development in Aceh Besar Regency.

Recommendations

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

The use of mulch and organic fertilizer should be promoted as a sustainable agriculture practice in Aceh Besar Regency.
Compost should be used as a primary organic fertilizer in sorghum cultivation.
Further research should be conducted to explore the potential of other organic fertilizers and mulch materials.
The government and local authorities should provide support and incentives for farmers to adopt sustainable agriculture practices.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations that should be acknowledged:

The study was conducted in a specific region (Indrapuri District, Aceh Besar Regency), and the results may not be generalizable to other regions.
The study focused on sorghum cultivation, and the results may not be applicable to other crops.
The study did not explore the economic and social impacts of using mulch and organic fertilizer.

Future Research Directions

Based on the findings of this study, the following future research directions are suggested:

Exploring the potential of other organic fertilizers and mulch materials.
Investigating the economic and social impacts of using mulch and organic fertilizer.
Conducting further research on the effects of mulch and organic fertilizer on soil fertility and crop yields.
Developing and promoting sustainable agriculture practices in Aceh Besar Regency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sorghum Bicolor (L.) Moench) in the Critical Land of Aceh Besar Regency with Mulch Input and Organic Fertilizer

Q: What is the significance of cultivating sorghum in the critical land of Aceh Besar Regency?

A: The critical land in Aceh Besar Regency poses significant challenges to farmers, making it essential to explore innovative methods to improve soil quality and increase agricultural productivity. Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is a drought-tolerant crop that can grow in dry land, making it a promising solution to this problem.

Q: What are the characteristics of critical dry land in Aceh Besar Regency?

A: The critical land in Aceh Besar Regency is characterized by low soil fertility, poor drainage, and limited water availability. This makes it essential to explore innovative methods to improve soil quality and increase agricultural productivity.

Q: What is the role of mulch in sorghum cultivation?

A: Mulch plays a crucial role in sorghum cultivation by improving soil fertility, increasing water retention, and promoting healthy plant growth. The use of mulch has been shown to improve soil fertility, increase crop yields, and promote sustainable agriculture.

Q: What is the role of organic fertilizer in sorghum cultivation?

A: Organic fertilizer, such as compost, plays a crucial role in sorghum cultivation by improving soil fertility, increasing crop yields, and promoting sustainable agriculture. The use of compost has been shown to improve soil fertility, increase crop yields, and promote sustainable agriculture.

Q: What are the benefits of using mulch and organic fertilizer in sorghum cultivation?

A: The use of mulch and organic fertilizer has several benefits, including:

Improved soil fertility: Mulch and organic fertilizer improve soil fertility, increasing crop yields and promoting sustainable agriculture.
Increased water retention: Mulch helps to retain water in the soil, reducing the need for irrigation and promoting healthy plant growth.
Promoting healthy plant growth: Mulch and organic fertilizer promote healthy plant growth, increasing crop yields and reducing the risk of disease and pests.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including:

The study was conducted in a specific region (Indrapuri District, Aceh Besar Regency), and the results may not be generalizable to other regions.
The study focused on sorghum cultivation, and the results may not be applicable to other crops.
The study did not explore the economic and social impacts of using mulch and organic fertilizer.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: Based on the findings of this study, the following future research directions are suggested:

Exploring the potential of other organic fertilizers and mulch materials.
Investigating the economic and social impacts of using mulch and organic fertilizer.
Conducting further research on the effects of mulch and organic fertilizer on soil fertility and crop yields.
Developing and promoting sustainable agriculture practices in Aceh Besar Regency.

Q: What are the recommendations for farmers and policymakers?

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

The use of mulch and organic fertilizer should be promoted as a sustainable agriculture practice in Aceh Besar Regency.
Compost should be used as a primary organic fertilizer in sorghum cultivation.
Further research should be conducted to explore the potential of other organic fertilizers and mulch materials.
The government and local authorities should provide support and incentives for farmers to adopt sustainable agriculture practices.