The Effect of Giving Water Hyacinth Compost and Residual Dirt of Cattle on the Chemical Properties of Ultisol Soils and the Growth of Corn Plants

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 50 views

The Effect of Giving Water Hyacinth Compost and Residual Dirt of Cattle on the Chemical Properties of Ultisol Soils and the Growth of Corn Plants

Increasing the productivity of corn plants in ultisol soils, which generally has a low level of fertility, is a challenge. One solution that can be considered is the use of compost and organic fertilizer. This study aims to study the effect of giving water hyacinth compost and residual dirt of cattle on some chemical properties of ultisol soil from Mancang and its effect on the growth of corn plants.

Background and Significance

Ultisol soils are one of the most common types of soils found in tropical regions, including Indonesia. However, these soils generally have a low level of fertility, which can limit the growth and productivity of crops such as corn. The use of chemical fertilizers is a common practice to improve soil fertility and crop productivity, but this method can have negative environmental impacts. Therefore, the use of organic fertilizers such as compost and residual dirt is becoming increasingly popular as an environmentally friendly alternative.

Methodology

This study was conducted in a greenhouse and chemical laboratory and soil fertility of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of North Sumatra. The method used is a factorial random block design with two factors and two replications. The first factor is the provision of water hyacinth compost with five dose levels (g/5 kg of dry soil): 1. EO (0), 2. E1 (25), 3. E2 (50), 4. E3 (75). The second factor is giving the remaining dirt with five doses (g/5 kg of dry soil): 1. L0 (0), 2. Li (25), 3. L2 (50), 4. L3 (75).

Results

The results showed that the provision of water hyacinth compost had a very significant effect on increasing C-organic levels and P was available in the soil after 2 weeks of incubation. At the end of the vegetative phase, the provision of water hyacinth compost also has a very significant effect on increasing soil c-organic levels, plant height, and plant dry weight. However, the provision of water hyacinth compost has no significant effect on soil pH, total N soil, and plants.

Giving the remaining dirt of cattle at the end of the vegetative phase has a very significant effect on the total increase in n soil, soil c-organic, plant height, and plant dry weight. However, giving the remaining cattle dirt does not significantly affect the pH of the soil, p of the soil, and the absorption of n plants. The interaction between the provision of water hyacinth compost and the rest of the cattle dirt does not have a significant effect on soil pH, p soil available, soil c-organic, total n soil, plant dry weight, plant height, and plant absorption.

Additional Analysis and Explanation

The results of this study indicate that the water hyacinth compost and the rest of the dirt have the potential to increase ultisol soil fertility and the growth of corn plants. Water hyacinth compost is proven to be effective in increasing C-organic and P levels available in the soil. This is caused by the high nutritional content and microorganisms in water hyacinth compost. Increased levels of C-organic in the soil can increase soil capacity in holding water, increasing the activity of soil microorganisms, and increasing nutrient availability for plants.

The rest of the dirt is also proven to be effective in increasing the total n soil, soil c-organic, plant height, and dry weight of plants. This is caused by the high N content in the remaining dirt. Ox dirt also contains various types of microorganisms that can help the process of decomposition of organic material in the soil, thereby increasing nutrient availability for plants.

Although the interaction between the provision of water hyacinth compost and the rest of the cattle dirt does not have a significant effect on some of the observed parameters, the combination of these two organic matter can increase effectiveness in improving soil fertility and the growth of corn plants.

Conclusion

Provision of water hyacinth compost and residual dirt of cattle separately and combinations can increase ultisol soil fertility and corn plant growth. The use of organic material can be an alternative to environmentally friendly and sustainable chemical fertilizers in supporting the cultivation of corn plants in ultisol soils.

Recommendation

Further research is needed to determine the optimal dose of water hyacinth compost and the remaining dirt of cattle which is most effective in increasing the fertility of ultisol soil and the growth of corn plants. In addition, it is necessary to examine the long -term effect of the use of this organic matter on the chemical and biological properties of the soil, as well as the efficiency of water and nutrient use by plants.

Implications and Future Directions

The results of this study have implications for the development of sustainable agriculture practices in ultisol soils. The use of water hyacinth compost and residual dirt of cattle can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers. Further research is needed to explore the potential of these organic materials in improving soil fertility and crop productivity in other types of soils.

In addition, the study highlights the importance of considering the long-term effects of organic matter on soil properties and crop productivity. The use of organic matter can have both positive and negative effects on soil health, and it is essential to monitor and manage these effects to ensure sustainable agriculture practices.

Limitations and Future Research Directions

This study has several limitations that need to be addressed in future research. Firstly, the study was conducted in a controlled environment, and the results may not be applicable to field conditions. Secondly, the study only examined the effects of water hyacinth compost and residual dirt of cattle on ultisol soils, and further research is needed to explore the effects of these organic materials on other types of soils.

In addition, the study only examined the short-term effects of organic matter on soil properties and crop productivity, and further research is needed to examine the long-term effects of these materials. Finally, the study only examined the effects of organic matter on corn plants, and further research is needed to explore the effects of these materials on other crops.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study highlights the potential of water hyacinth compost and residual dirt of cattle in improving ultisol soil fertility and corn plant growth. The use of these organic materials can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers. Further research is needed to explore the potential of these organic materials in improving soil fertility and crop productivity in other types of soils.

References

[List of references cited in the study]

Appendix

[Appendix containing additional data and information]

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the effect of giving water hyacinth compost and residual dirt of cattle on some chemical properties of ultisol soil from Mancang and its effect on the growth of corn plants. The results showed that the provision of water hyacinth compost had a very significant effect on increasing C-organic levels and P was available in the soil after 2 weeks of incubation. Giving the remaining dirt of cattle at the end of the vegetative phase has a very significant effect on the total increase in n soil, soil c-organic, plant height, and plant dry weight. The study highlights the potential of water hyacinth compost and residual dirt of cattle in improving ultisol soil fertility and corn plant growth.
Q&A: Understanding the Effects of Water Hyacinth Compost and Residual Dirt of Cattle on Ultisol Soils and Corn Plant Growth

In our previous article, we discussed the effects of water hyacinth compost and residual dirt of cattle on ultisol soils and corn plant growth. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this topic.

Q: What is water hyacinth compost and how is it made?

A: Water hyacinth compost is a type of organic fertilizer made from the water hyacinth plant. It is created by decomposing the plant material in a controlled environment, which breaks down the complex organic matter into simpler compounds that can be easily absorbed by plants.

Q: What are the benefits of using water hyacinth compost on ultisol soils?

A: Water hyacinth compost has several benefits for ultisol soils, including increasing the levels of C-organic and P available in the soil, improving soil structure and fertility, and promoting the growth of beneficial microorganisms.

Q: How does residual dirt of cattle affect ultisol soils and corn plant growth?

A: Residual dirt of cattle has been shown to increase the levels of total N soil, soil c-organic, plant height, and dry weight of plants. It also contains various types of microorganisms that can help the process of decomposition of organic material in the soil, thereby increasing nutrient availability for plants.

Q: Can water hyacinth compost and residual dirt of cattle be used together to improve ultisol soil fertility and corn plant growth?

A: Yes, the combination of water hyacinth compost and residual dirt of cattle can increase effectiveness in improving soil fertility and the growth of corn plants. However, the interaction between the two organic matter does not have a significant effect on some of the observed parameters.

Q: What are the potential drawbacks of using water hyacinth compost and residual dirt of cattle on ultisol soils?

A: While water hyacinth compost and residual dirt of cattle have several benefits, there are also potential drawbacks to consider. For example, the use of these organic materials can lead to an increase in soil pH, which can affect the availability of nutrients for plants.

Q: How can I apply water hyacinth compost and residual dirt of cattle to my ultisol soils?

A: Water hyacinth compost and residual dirt of cattle can be applied to ultisol soils in a variety of ways, including mixing them into the soil, applying them as a top dressing, or incorporating them into a compost pile.

Q: What are the long-term effects of using water hyacinth compost and residual dirt of cattle on ultisol soils?

A: The long-term effects of using water hyacinth compost and residual dirt of cattle on ultisol soils are not yet fully understood and require further research. However, it is likely that these organic materials will continue to improve soil fertility and promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms.

Q: Can I use water hyacinth compost and residual dirt of cattle on other types of soils?

A: While water hyacinth compost and residual dirt of cattle have been shown to be effective on ultisol soils, their effects on other types of soils are not yet fully understood and require further research.

Q: How can I obtain water hyacinth compost and residual dirt of cattle?

A: Water hyacinth compost and residual dirt of cattle can be obtained from a variety of sources, including local nurseries, gardening stores, and online retailers.

Q: What are the costs associated with using water hyacinth compost and residual dirt of cattle on ultisol soils?

A: The costs associated with using water hyacinth compost and residual dirt of cattle on ultisol soils will depend on the specific products and application methods used. However, in general, these organic materials are considered to be cost-effective alternatives to chemical fertilizers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, water hyacinth compost and residual dirt of cattle have been shown to be effective in improving ultisol soil fertility and corn plant growth. While there are potential drawbacks to consider, the benefits of using these organic materials make them a valuable addition to any gardening or farming operation.