Application of Amendment and Irrigation toward Soil Moisture and Corn Productivity in Alfisols Jumantono, Indonesia

Abstract

The use of amendments and irrigation will improve soil characteristics, increase land productivity, and corn crops. This research aims to find out the best type of amendment and irrigation volume to get optimal moisture for corn in Alfisol. The study was conducted at Jumantono, Karanganyar District, Central Java, Indonesia. The design of the study used a Factorial Complete Randomized Block Design (RCBD) with 2 treatment factors. The design of this study on the first treatment factor giving amendments with cow manure 5 tons/ha, biochar rice husk 5 tons/ha, zeolite 5 tons/ha and control, as well as the treatment factor of irrigation volume 50% x ETc, 100% x ETc, and 150% x ETc. The ETc value is obtained from the daily evapotranspiration value of corn. The results show that amendment and irrigation treatment could increase soil moisture content and soil organic matter. The addition of a single factor of irrigation affects the soil porosity, soil pH, soil moisture and soil organic matter. Corn crop productivity has also increased due to the provision of appropriate and efficient irrigation.