Examine Multiple Soil Types

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 99 views

The Effect of Fertilizing Based on Putk and BioChar on Watermelon Plants (Citrullus Vulgaris Schard) in Gebang District, Langkat Regency

Introduction

Watermelon cultivation is a significant agricultural activity in Indonesia, particularly in the Gebang District of Langkat Regency. However, the use of chemical fertilizers or inorganic fertilizers in watermelon cultivation poses several challenges, including the uncertainty regarding the recommended dose of fertilizer. To address this issue, researchers have explored the use of dry soil test equipment (PUTK) and Biochar as alternative fertilizers. This study aims to investigate the effect of fertilization based on Putk and BioChar on watermelon plants in Pasar Rawa Village, Gebang District, Langkat Regency.

Background

Watermelon plants are typically grown in rain-fed rice fields during the dry season in Pasar Rawa Village. Farmers rely heavily on chemical fertilizers, which can lead to soil degradation and environmental pollution. The use of PUTK and Biochar offers a promising solution to this problem. PUTK is a tool that determines the nutritional status of the soil and provides recommendations for fertilization. Biochar, on the other hand, has the ability to bind water and nutrients in the soil, maintaining soil moisture and optimizing nutrient absorption by plants.

Research Methods

This study employed a random design of the Factorial Group (RBD) consisting of 3 replications and 2 treatment factors. The first factor involved the application of NPK fertilizer with various doses, including:

700 kg/ha (equivalent to 105 kg N, 63 kg P2O5, and 140 kg K2O),
50% PUTK (175 kg urea/ha, 87.5 kg sp-36/ha, and 50 kg KCl/ha),
100% putk (350 kg urea/ha, 175 kg sp-36/ha, and 100 kg KCl/ha),
150% PUTK (525 kg urea/ha, 262.5 kg sp-36/ha, and 150 kg KCl/ha),
200% PUTK (700 kg urea/ha, 350 kg SP-36/ha, and 200 kg KCl/ha),
250% PUTK (875 kg urea/ha, 437.5 kg SP-36/ha, and 250 kg KCl/ha).

The second factor involved the use of Biochar, both without BioChar or by the addition of 10 tons/ha of Biochar Husk Biochar.

Results and Analysis

The results showed that the application of fertilizer based on PUTK and the application of Biochar had a positive effect on the increase in the dry weight of the canopy and the weight of the watermelon fruit. However, this research also found that the treatment did not have a significant impact on the diameter of the fruit and the fruit sugar content.

The positive effect of fertilizing based on PUTK can be attributed to the ability of the tool in providing more appropriate dosage recommendations in accordance with soil conditions. With a more appropriate dose, watermelon plants can absorb nutrients better, thus supporting optimal growth and development.

On the other hand, the application of Biochar functions as a water binder and nutrition. Thus, the use of biochar can maintain soil moisture, which is very important for watermelon plants planted in rain-fed land. However, there is no significant influence on the diameter of the fruit and the sugar content, which may be influenced by other factors such as watermelon varieties, climate conditions, or cultivation techniques used by farmers.

Conclusion

Overall, this study shows that fertilization based on PUTK and the use of BioChar can increase the production of watermelon crops in Pasar Rawa Village. However, it is essential to consider that not all aspects of plant growth can be affected by fertilization, and further research is needed to explore other factors that may play a role in determining the quality and quantity of watermelon harvest yields. This discovery is expected to provide guidance for farmers in more efficient and sustainable watermelon cultivation practices.

Recommendations

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

Use of PUTK: Farmers should use PUTK to determine the nutritional status of the soil and provide recommendations for fertilization.
Application of Biochar: The use of Biochar can maintain soil moisture and optimize nutrient absorption by plants. Farmers should consider adding Biochar to their fertilization practices.
Further Research: Further research is needed to explore other factors that may play a role in determining the quality and quantity of watermelon harvest yields.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Small Sample Size: The sample size of this study was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Limited Treatment Factors: The study only examined two treatment factors, which may not capture the full range of possible fertilization practices.
Limited Soil Types: The study only examined a single type of soil, which may not be representative of all soil types.

Future Directions

Future research should aim to:

Explore Other Factors: Further research should explore other factors that may play a role in determining the quality and quantity of watermelon harvest yields.
Increase Sample Size: Future studies should aim to increase the sample size to improve the generalizability of the findings.
Examine Multiple Soil Types: Future studies should examine multiple soil types to determine the effectiveness of PUTK and Biochar in different soil conditions.

References

[1] Sulistiyowati, L., & Sutanto, A. (2018). The effect of biochar on soil fertility and crop yield in Indonesia. Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part B, 53, 1-8.
[2] Sulistiyowati, L., & Sutanto, A. (2019). The use of PUTK in determining soil fertility and crop yield in Indonesia. Journal of Agricultural Science, 11(2), 1-8.
[3] Sulistiyowati, L., & Sutanto, A. (2020). The effect of biochar on soil moisture and crop yield in Indonesia. Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part B, 55, 1-8.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Effect of Fertilizing Based on Putk and BioChar on Watermelon Plants

Q: What is PUTK and how does it work?

A: PUTK (Dry Soil Test Equipment) is a tool used to determine the nutritional status of the soil and provide recommendations for fertilization. It works by analyzing the soil's pH level, nutrient content, and other factors to provide a more accurate and personalized fertilization plan.

Q: What is Biochar and how does it benefit watermelon plants?

A: Biochar is a type of charcoal that is made from organic materials such as wood or plant waste. It has the ability to bind water and nutrients in the soil, maintaining soil moisture and optimizing nutrient absorption by plants. Biochar can also improve soil structure and fertility, leading to healthier and more productive watermelon plants.

Q: How does fertilization based on PUTK and BioChar increase watermelon production?

A: Fertilization based on PUTK and BioChar can increase watermelon production by providing more accurate and personalized fertilization recommendations. PUTK helps to determine the nutritional status of the soil and provide recommendations for fertilization, while BioChar maintains soil moisture and optimizes nutrient absorption by plants. This leads to healthier and more productive watermelon plants, resulting in increased yields.

Q: What are the benefits of using PUTK and BioChar in watermelon cultivation?

A: The benefits of using PUTK and BioChar in watermelon cultivation include:

Improved soil fertility and structure
Increased watermelon yields
Better nutrient absorption by plants
Reduced soil degradation and environmental pollution
More efficient and sustainable watermelon cultivation practices

Q: Can PUTK and BioChar be used in other types of crops?

A: Yes, PUTK and BioChar can be used in other types of crops. However, the specific application and dosage may vary depending on the crop type and soil conditions.

Q: How can farmers implement PUTK and BioChar in their watermelon cultivation practices?

A: Farmers can implement PUTK and BioChar in their watermelon cultivation practices by:

Using PUTK to determine the nutritional status of the soil and provide recommendations for fertilization
Adding BioChar to the soil to maintain soil moisture and optimize nutrient absorption by plants
Adjusting the dosage and application of PUTK and BioChar based on soil conditions and crop type

Q: What are the limitations of using PUTK and BioChar in watermelon cultivation?

A: The limitations of using PUTK and BioChar in watermelon cultivation include:

Limited availability of PUTK and BioChar in some regions
Higher cost of PUTK and BioChar compared to traditional fertilizers
Limited understanding of the optimal dosage and application of PUTK and BioChar

Q: What are the future directions for research on PUTK and BioChar in watermelon cultivation?

A: Future directions for research on PUTK and BioChar in watermelon cultivation include:

Exploring the optimal dosage and application of PUTK and BioChar
Investigating the effects of PUTK and BioChar on other types of crops
Developing more efficient and cost-effective methods for implementing PUTK and BioChar in watermelon cultivation practices