Optimize fertilization doses

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 110 views

The Effect of Fertilization on Lead Accumulation in Cabbage (Brassica Oleracea L.) and Sawi White (Brassica Rapa L.)

Introduction

Heavy metal contamination in plants is a significant concern for human health and the environment. Cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) and Sawi White (Brassica Rapa L.) are two popular vegetables that are known to absorb toxic metals, including lead. The accumulation of lead in these plants can have severe consequences for human health, making it essential to understand the factors that influence lead accumulation. This study aims to investigate the effect of NPK fertilization and organic fertilizer on lead accumulation in cabbage and Sawi White.

The Importance of Fertilization in Plant Growth

Fertilization is a crucial aspect of plant growth, as it provides essential nutrients for optimal development. However, excessive fertilization can lead to the accumulation of heavy metals in plants, posing a risk to human health. The type and dose of fertilizer used can significantly impact lead accumulation in plants. In this study, we examined the effect of NPK fertilization and organic fertilizer on lead accumulation in cabbage and Sawi White.

Research Methodology

The study was conducted at Simpang Tiga Redelong, Bener Meriah, using the 369 type of inpestor type and Deli-type cabbage seeds. Plants were grown in plastic houses to maintain optimal environmental conditions. In the research procedure, 319.71 mg/kg lead (in the form of PB powder (NO3) 2) was added to the soil media, which was filled with 5 kg of soil per polybag. Organic fertilizer (Petro Organic) and NPK fertilizer (YaramilatM) were added with varying doses (15, 30, 60, 120, and 240 mg/kg) at the ages of 7, 15, and 30 days after planting (HST). After 75 HST, plants were harvested and analyzed to measure lead using a spectrophotometry of atomic absorption (AAS) with acetylene-air at a wavelength of 283.3 nm.

Results and Analysis

The results showed that cabbage and chicory can accumulate lead with levels of 3,0289 ± 0.0186 μg/g and 3,2770 ± 0.1601 μg/g at the beginning of growth. However, after the administration of NPK fertilizer and organic fertilizer, there is a significant decrease in lead accumulation. The highest decrease occurs in the NPK fertilizer dose of 120 mg/kg, where lead levels in cabbage drop to 2,2838 ± 0.0232 μg/g and in chicory to 1,7482 ± 0.0551 μg/g. Meanwhile, the administration of organic fertilizer at a dose of 240 mg/kg also shows a significant decrease, namely 2,0798 ± 0.0379 μg/g for cabbage and 2,6829 ± 0.1565 μg/g for white mustard greens.

However, strangely, at the dose of NPK fertilizer 240 mg/kg, there is an increase in accumulation of lead. This shows that a very high dose of NPK fertilizer can cause the opposite effect, namely an increase in lead absorption by plants.

Conclusion

From this study, it can be concluded that both NPK fertilizers and organic fertilizer have a positive effect in reducing lead accumulation in cabbage and chicory. Provision of appropriate doses can optimize decreased accumulation of lead, although very high doses can actually contribute to increased accumulation of lead. Therefore, it is essential for farmers and land managers to pay attention to fertilizing doses to remain safe for food quality and environmental health. Further research is needed to explore the mechanism that underlies this phenomenon and determine the optimal fertilization dose for healthy and safe plant growth.

Recommendations

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

Optimize fertilization doses: Farmers and land managers should optimize fertilization doses to minimize lead accumulation in plants.
Use organic fertilizers: Organic fertilizers can be used as an alternative to NPK fertilizers to reduce lead accumulation.
Monitor lead levels: Regular monitoring of lead levels in plants is essential to ensure food safety and environmental health.
Further research: Further research is needed to explore the mechanism that underlies the effect of fertilization on lead accumulation and to determine the optimal fertilization dose for healthy and safe plant growth.

Limitations of the Study

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 fertilizer types: Only two types of fertilizers (NPK and organic) were used in this study, which may not be representative of all fertilizers.
Limited lead levels: The lead levels used in this study were relatively high, which may not be representative of all lead levels in plants.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to:

Explore the mechanism: Explore the mechanism that underlies the effect of fertilization on lead accumulation.
Determine optimal fertilization dose: Determine the optimal fertilization dose for healthy and safe plant growth.
Investigate other fertilizer types: Investigate the effect of other fertilizer types on lead accumulation.
Monitor lead levels: Regularly monitor lead levels in plants to ensure food safety and environmental health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Effect of Fertilization on Lead Accumulation in Cabbage (Brassica Oleracea L.) and Sawi White (Brassica Rapa L.)

Q: What is the main objective of this study?

A: The main objective of this study is to investigate the effect of NPK fertilization and organic fertilizer on lead accumulation in cabbage and Sawi White.

Q: Why is lead accumulation in plants a concern?

A: Lead accumulation in plants is a concern because it can have severe consequences for human health. Lead is a toxic metal that can cause a range of health problems, including neurological damage, developmental delays, and even death.

Q: What are the key findings of this study?

A: The key findings of this study are that both NPK fertilizers and organic fertilizer have a positive effect in reducing lead accumulation in cabbage and chicory. However, very high doses of NPK fertilizer can actually contribute to increased accumulation of lead.

Q: What are the implications of this study for farmers and land managers?

A: The implications of this study for farmers and land managers are that they should pay attention to fertilizing doses to remain safe for food quality and environmental health. They should also consider using organic fertilizers as an alternative to NPK fertilizers.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study include a small sample size, limited fertilizer types, and limited lead levels.

Q: What are the future directions for this research?

A: The future directions for this research include exploring the mechanism that underlies the effect of fertilization on lead accumulation, determining the optimal fertilization dose for healthy and safe plant growth, investigating the effect of other fertilizer types on lead accumulation, and regularly monitoring lead levels in plants.

Q: What are the recommendations for farmers and land managers based on this study?

A: The recommendations for farmers and land managers based on this study are to optimize fertilization doses, use organic fertilizers, monitor lead levels, and consider further research to determine the optimal fertilization dose for healthy and safe plant growth.

Q: Can you explain the concept of "optimal fertilization dose"?

A: The optimal fertilization dose refers to the amount of fertilizer that is necessary to promote healthy plant growth while minimizing the accumulation of lead. This dose can vary depending on factors such as soil type, plant variety, and climate.

Q: How can farmers and land managers minimize lead accumulation in plants?

A: Farmers and land managers can minimize lead accumulation in plants by using organic fertilizers, optimizing fertilization doses, and regularly monitoring lead levels. They can also consider using alternative fertilizers or soil amendments that are less likely to contribute to lead accumulation.

Q: What are the potential consequences of ignoring lead accumulation in plants?

A: The potential consequences of ignoring lead accumulation in plants include food safety risks, environmental contamination, and economic losses. Lead accumulation in plants can also have long-term health consequences for consumers who eat contaminated produce.

Q: Can you explain the concept of "food safety risks"?

A: Food safety risks refer to the potential health hazards associated with consuming contaminated food. In the case of lead accumulation in plants, food safety risks include the risk of neurological damage, developmental delays, and other health problems.

Q: How can consumers protect themselves from lead accumulation in plants?

A: Consumers can protect themselves from lead accumulation in plants by choosing produce that is grown using organic or sustainable farming practices, checking the labels for certifications such as "USDA Organic" or "Non-GMO", and cooking produce thoroughly to reduce lead levels.