Activity of valerian catalase in Ultisol growing media by adding humic acid

Abstract

Ultisols are soil in marginal lands which contain high Al and Fe, allowing the growing plants to have self-defense strategies by increasing catalase enzyme activity. The purpose of this study was to examine the response of valerian to Ultisol growing media by giving humic acid to the activity of the catalase enzyme, and to determine the potential planting medium to increase the activity of the catalase enzyme. The research method used was experimental with 2 factors of factorial completely randomized design (CRD). The first factor is the planting medium which consists of two media types namely (1) Ultisols and (2) Ultisols + organic matter. The second factor is the concentration of humic acid which consists of 4 treatment levels namely 0 g/kg; 4 g/kg; 8 g/kg and 12 g/kg. Of the two factors observed, 8 treatment combinations were produced, each with 3 replications. Parameters observed were catalase enzyme activity and growth parameters. As supporting data, the content of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Mn, Fe, and Al in Ultisols have been analyzed. The results showed that the growing medium had an effect on the catalase enzyme activity. Catalase activity is influenced by the planting medium, plants that experience stress increase the catalase activity. Valerian grown on Ultisol growing media increased catalase activity, whereas those in Ultisol growing media with the addition of organic matter decreased catalase activity.