The Effect of Giving Lime and Compost Oil Palm on the Growth and Production of Peanuts

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 99 views

The Effect of Giving Lime and Compost Oil Palm on the Growth and Production of Peanuts

Introduction

Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) are one of the most widely cultivated legume crops in the world, providing a significant source of protein and oil for human consumption. However, peanut production is often limited by factors such as soil fertility, climate, and pests. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the use of organic and sustainable farming practices to improve crop yields and reduce environmental impact. This study aims to explore the effect of lime (dolomite fertilizer) and compost from oil palm empty bunches on the growth and production of peanuts.

Background

Peanuts are a nitrogen-fixing legume, which means they have the ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that can be used by plants. However, this process can be limited by factors such as soil pH, nutrient availability, and microbial activity. Dolomite fertilizer, which is a source of calcium and magnesium, can help to improve soil pH and increase the availability of other nutrients needed by peanuts. Compost from oil palm empty bunches, on the other hand, can provide organic matter that improves soil structure and supports microbial activity.

Methodology

This study was conducted in the experimental land located in the village of Cengkeh Turi, Binjai, with a height of about 32 meters above sea level. The research activity was carried out during the period March to June 2019. The dosage of dolomite fertilizer consisted of three levels (0, 200, and 400 kg/ha), while the dose of empty oil palm empty bunches consisted of four levels (0, 6, 12, and 18 tons/ha).

Results

The results of this study showed that giving dolomite at a dose of 400 kg/ha had a significant impact on the growth of peanuts, which was seen from increasing plant height, number of leaves, and number of branches. Meanwhile, the administration of oil palm empty bunches at a dose of 12 tons/ha is also proven effective in increasing the number of leaves of plants. This finding shows that the right combination of fertilization can make a positive contribution to the quality and quantity of agricultural peanut products.

Discussion

The positive impact of giving dolomite in this study can be explained through the role of lime in increasing soil pH and improving soil fertility. Dolomite fertilizer is known as a source of calcium and magnesium which is important for plant growth. Calcium plays a role in the process of cell wall formation, while magnesium is an important chlorophyll component in photosynthesis. By improving soil pH, dolomite helps increase the availability of other nutrients needed by peanuts, so that plants can grow more optimally.

On the other hand, the use of compost from oil palm empty bunches as organic material has another positive effect, which is to improve the structure and absorption of soil. Compost can increase humus levels in the soil, which is important for improving aeration and water retention. This is very influential in supporting the growth of peanut roots, so plants can access nutrients more efficiently.

Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) as a legume plant have the ability to bind nitrogen from the air through symbiosis with rhizobium bacteria. Therefore, good soil treatment and the addition of organic matter such as compost can encourage microbial activity in the soil, which is also beneficial for the availability of nitrogen for plants.

Conclusion

This research provides important insights for farmers and researchers in the management of fertilizing peanuts, while strengthening the importance of continuing research in understanding the interaction between various types of fertilizers and plant growth. Applying this combination will not only improve agricultural output, but also maintain the quality of the soil to remain fertile and productive for future generations.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations can be made:

Farmers in the area can consider the application of a combination of dolomite fertilizer and oil palm empty bunches as a strategy to increase peanut production.
The application of appropriate fertilization techniques not only increases yields, but also contributes to agricultural sustainability by maintaining soil health.
Further research is needed to explore the interaction between various types of fertilizers and plant growth, as well as the long-term effects of using compost from oil palm empty bunches as a soil amendment.

Limitations

This study has several limitations that should be noted. Firstly, the study was conducted in a specific location and may not be representative of other areas. Secondly, the study only examined the effect of dolomite fertilizer and compost from oil palm empty bunches on peanut growth and production, and did not investigate other factors that may influence peanut yields. Finally, the study only examined the short-term effects of using compost from oil palm empty bunches as a soil amendment, and did not investigate the long-term effects.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to explore the following directions:

Investigating the interaction between various types of fertilizers and plant growth.
Examining the long-term effects of using compost from oil palm empty bunches as a soil amendment.
Investigating the effect of other organic amendments, such as manure or green manure, on peanut growth and production.
Examining the effect of different soil types and pH levels on peanut growth and production.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides important insights into the effect of lime and compost from oil palm empty bunches on the growth and production of peanuts. The results of this study show that the right combination of fertilization can make a positive contribution to the quality and quantity of agricultural peanut products. Further research is needed to explore the interaction between various types of fertilizers and plant growth, as well as the long-term effects of using compost from oil palm empty bunches as a soil amendment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Effect of Lime and Compost on Peanut Growth and Production

Q: What is the purpose of this study?

A: The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of lime (dolomite fertilizer) and compost from oil palm empty bunches on the growth and production of peanuts.

Q: What are the benefits of using dolomite fertilizer?

A: Dolomite fertilizer is a source of calcium and magnesium, which are important for plant growth. Calcium plays a role in the process of cell wall formation, while magnesium is an important chlorophyll component in photosynthesis. By improving soil pH, dolomite helps increase the availability of other nutrients needed by peanuts, so that plants can grow more optimally.

Q: What are the benefits of using compost from oil palm empty bunches?

A: Compost from oil palm empty bunches can provide organic matter that improves soil structure and supports microbial activity. This can lead to improved aeration and water retention in the soil, which is beneficial for peanut growth and production.

Q: How does the use of compost from oil palm empty bunches affect peanut growth?

A: The use of compost from oil palm empty bunches has been shown to increase the number of leaves on peanut plants. This is likely due to the improved soil structure and microbial activity that results from the use of compost.

Q: Can the use of dolomite fertilizer and compost from oil palm empty bunches be used together?

A: Yes, the use of dolomite fertilizer and compost from oil palm empty bunches can be used together to improve peanut growth and production. In fact, the results of this study show that the combination of these two fertilizers can have a synergistic effect, leading to improved yields and better soil health.

Q: Are there any limitations to this study?

A: Yes, there are several limitations to this study. Firstly, the study was conducted in a specific location and may not be representative of other areas. Secondly, the study only examined the effect of dolomite fertilizer and compost from oil palm empty bunches on peanut growth and production, and did not investigate other factors that may influence peanut yields. Finally, the study only examined the short-term effects of using compost from oil palm empty bunches as a soil amendment, and did not investigate the long-term effects.

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

A: The results of this study suggest that farmers can use a combination of dolomite fertilizer and compost from oil palm empty bunches to improve peanut growth and production. This can lead to increased yields and better soil health, which can have a positive impact on the overall sustainability of peanut farming.

Q: What are the implications of this study for researchers?

A: The results of this study suggest that further research is needed to explore the interaction between various types of fertilizers and plant growth, as well as the long-term effects of using compost from oil palm empty bunches as a soil amendment. This can provide valuable insights into the best practices for peanut farming and help to improve the sustainability of agricultural production.

Q: What are the next steps for this research?

A: The next steps for this research will involve further investigation into the interaction between various types of fertilizers and plant growth, as well as the long-term effects of using compost from oil palm empty bunches as a soil amendment. This will involve conducting additional experiments and analyzing the results to gain a deeper understanding of the effects of these fertilizers on peanut growth and production.

Q: How can readers get involved in this research?

A: Readers who are interested in getting involved in this research can contact the researchers directly to learn more about the study and how they can contribute. This can involve participating in experiments, providing feedback on the research, or helping to disseminate the results to a wider audience.