Application of floating culture system in chili pepper (Capsicum annum L.) during prolonged flooding period at riparian wetland in Indonesia

Abstract

Floating culture system (FCS) is the only feasible way for crop cultivation during high and prolonged flooding period at riparian wetlands. Objective of this research was to evaluate growth and yield of chili pepper cultivated using three different FCS during high flooding period at tropical riparian wetland. Floating rafts were constructed using used plastic bottles. Dimension of the raft was 2m x 1m with load capacity of 60 kg m-2; therefore each raft can carry 120 kg dead weight of growing media and chili pepper grown on it. Chili pepper used was CK9856 variety. Three FCS treatments applied were: P1, with gunny sack layer placed at interface between water surface and growing media; P2, without gunny sack at the interface; and P3, bottom part of growing media was immersed in water at 2-3 cm depth. These treatments were compared to P0, conventionally cultivated chili pepper as control. Result of this study revealed that chili pepper cultivated using FCS (P1, P2, and P3) significantly outperformed those of conventionally cultivated (P0) as indicated by higher growth and yield. Among FCS treatments, P2 produced the highest marketable yield (248.9 g plant-1). Therefore, the P2 is recommended for cultivation of chili pepper by smallholder farmers at riparian wetlands during high and prolonged flooding period.