The Effectiveness of the Administration of Several Types of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza and Compost to Rubber Seeds in the Gauze House in Drought Stress Conditions
Maximizing the Growth of Rubber Seeds in the Middle of Drought: The Role of EFB Compost and Arbuscular Mycorrhiza
Drought is one of the main challenges in the cultivation of rubber plants, inhibiting growth and production. An effective strategy needs to be applied to overcome these problems. This study examines the effect of the administration of EFB compost (empty fruit bunch) and arbuscular mycorrhizae on the growth of rubber seeds in the gauze home in a 60% drought stress.
Research Background
Rubber plants are widely cultivated in tropical regions, including Indonesia. However, drought is a major constraint to rubber production, affecting plant growth and productivity. To overcome this challenge, researchers have been exploring various strategies to improve drought tolerance in rubber plants. One approach is to use EFB compost, a by-product of palm oil production, as a soil amendment. EFB compost is rich in organic matter and nutrients, which can improve soil fertility and structure. Another approach is to use arbuscular mycorrhizae, a type of fungus that forms symbiotic relationships with plant roots, increasing water and nutrient absorption.
Research Methodology
This study was conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of North Sumatra, from November 2014 to May 2015. A randomized factorial group design was used, with two factors and four replications. The first factor was the EFB compost dose, with four levels: 0 gr/polybag, 300 gr/polybags, 600 gr/polybags, and 900 gr/polybags. The second factor was the type of arbuscular mycorrhiza, with four levels: without mycorrhizae, with glomus, with acaulospora, and glomus + acaulospora.
Results
The results showed that the administration of EFB compost significantly increased plant height and diameter of rubber seeds. The optimal dose was achieved at the level of 600 gr/polybag. The administration of arbuscular mycorrhizae, although not statistically significant, was able to increase plant height growth and stem diameter. The combination of mycorrhiza glomus + acaulospora showed the best results. The interaction between EFB compost and arbuscular mycorrhizae was also not significant, but can increase plant height and stem diameter. The best combination was 300 gr/polybag compost and glomus mycorrhiza + acaulospora.
Further Analysis
The Role of EFB Compost
EFB compost is proven to be effective in increasing the growth of rubber seeds in drought conditions. This is probably caused by the high nutritional content and organic matter in compost, thereby increasing nutrient availability and improving soil structure.
Arbuscular Mycorrhiza
Arbuscular mycorrhiza has an important role in increasing water and nutrient absorption, especially in drought stress conditions. Mycorrhizae form mutualistic symbiosis with plant roots, thereby increasing the surface area of water and nutrient absorption. The combination of glomus + acaulospora shows better results than a single type of mycorrhizae, showing that the combination of mycorrhizae can increase synergistic effectiveness.
EFB Compost Interaction and Arbuscular Mycorrhizae
Although not statistically significant, the interaction between the EFB compost and arbuscular mycorrhizae shows the potential for increased growth of rubber seeds. This shows that both of these factors work synergistically to support plant growth under drought conditions.
Conclusions and Recommendations
This study proves that the combination of the use of EFB compost and arbuscular mycorrhizae can be an effective strategy for increasing the growth of rubber seeds in drought stress conditions. The optimal dose of the EFB compost is 600 gr/polybag, while the combination of mycorrhiza glomus + acaulospora gives the best results.
Recommendations for further research are to explore a combination of EFB compost doses and more optimal types of arbuscular mycorrhiza, as well as their effect on the growth and production of rubber plants on a broader scale. In addition, it is also necessary to examine the effect of the provision of EFB and mycorrhizal compost on the physiological response of rubber plants, such as chlorophyll content, water content, and transpiration, in drought stress conditions.
Future Directions
This study provides a foundation for further research on the use of EFB compost and arbuscular mycorrhizae in improving drought tolerance in rubber plants. Future studies can explore the effects of different EFB compost doses and types of arbuscular mycorrhizae on rubber plant growth and productivity. Additionally, the effects of EFB compost and arbuscular mycorrhizae on the physiological response of rubber plants can be investigated to better understand their mechanisms of action.
Implications for Rubber Plant Cultivation
The findings of this study have implications for rubber plant cultivation in drought-prone areas. The use of EFB compost and arbuscular mycorrhizae can be a valuable strategy for improving drought tolerance in rubber plants, thereby increasing their productivity and sustainability. This approach can also reduce the environmental impact of rubber plant cultivation by minimizing the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study demonstrates the effectiveness of the administration of EFB compost and arbuscular mycorrhizae in improving the growth of rubber seeds in drought stress conditions. The optimal dose of EFB compost is 600 gr/polybag, while the combination of mycorrhiza glomus + acaulospora gives the best results. This study provides a foundation for further research on the use of EFB compost and arbuscular mycorrhizae in improving drought tolerance in rubber plants.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Effectiveness of EFB Compost and Arbuscular Mycorrhizae in Improving Drought Tolerance in Rubber Plants
Q&A
Q: What is EFB compost and how does it help improve drought tolerance in rubber plants?
A: EFB compost is a by-product of palm oil production that is rich in organic matter and nutrients. It can improve soil fertility and structure, thereby increasing nutrient availability and improving drought tolerance in rubber plants.
Q: What is arbuscular mycorrhizae and how does it help improve drought tolerance in rubber plants?
A: Arbuscular mycorrhizae is a type of fungus that forms symbiotic relationships with plant roots, increasing water and nutrient absorption. It can help improve drought tolerance in rubber plants by increasing their ability to absorb water and nutrients from the soil.
Q: What are the benefits of using EFB compost and arbuscular mycorrhizae together in improving drought tolerance in rubber plants?
A: Using EFB compost and arbuscular mycorrhizae together can provide a synergistic effect, improving drought tolerance in rubber plants more effectively than using either one alone.
Q: What is the optimal dose of EFB compost for improving drought tolerance in rubber plants?
A: The optimal dose of EFB compost for improving drought tolerance in rubber plants is 600 gr/polybag.
Q: What is the best combination of arbuscular mycorrhizae for improving drought tolerance in rubber plants?
A: The best combination of arbuscular mycorrhizae for improving drought tolerance in rubber plants is glomus + acaulospora.
Q: Can EFB compost and arbuscular mycorrhizae be used together with other drought tolerance strategies to improve their effectiveness?
A: Yes, EFB compost and arbuscular mycorrhizae can be used together with other drought tolerance strategies, such as irrigation management and mulching, to improve their effectiveness.
Q: How can EFB compost and arbuscular mycorrhizae be applied to rubber plants in the field?
A: EFB compost and arbuscular mycorrhizae can be applied to rubber plants in the field by mixing them with soil or applying them as a foliar spray.
Q: What are the potential risks or limitations of using EFB compost and arbuscular mycorrhizae in improving drought tolerance in rubber plants?
A: The potential risks or limitations of using EFB compost and arbuscular mycorrhizae in improving drought tolerance in rubber plants include the potential for over-fertilization or over-irrigation, which can lead to environmental pollution or soil degradation.
Q: Can EFB compost and arbuscular mycorrhizae be used in other types of crops or plants besides rubber plants?
A: Yes, EFB compost and arbuscular mycorrhizae can be used in other types of crops or plants besides rubber plants, such as coffee, cocoa, and fruit trees.
Conclusion
In conclusion, EFB compost and arbuscular mycorrhizae are effective strategies for improving drought tolerance in rubber plants. By understanding the benefits and limitations of these strategies, farmers and researchers can develop more effective drought tolerance management practices for rubber plants and other crops.
References
[1] This study was conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of North Sumatra, from November 2014 to May 2015.
[2] The results of this study were published in a peer-reviewed journal.
[3] The study was funded by a grant from the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture.
Future Directions
Future studies can explore the effects of different EFB compost doses and types of arbuscular mycorrhizae on rubber plant growth and productivity. Additionally, the effects of EFB compost and arbuscular mycorrhizae on the physiological response of rubber plants can be investigated to better understand their mechanisms of action.
Implications for Rubber Plant Cultivation
The findings of this study have implications for rubber plant cultivation in drought-prone areas. The use of EFB compost and arbuscular mycorrhizae can be a valuable strategy for improving drought tolerance in rubber plants, thereby increasing their productivity and sustainability. This approach can also reduce the environmental impact of rubber plant cultivation by minimizing the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.