Correlation between Root Nodule Characteristic and Growth Component of Jack Bean Intercropped with Aloe Plant in Calcareous Soil

Abstract

This research aims to find out the correlation between root nodules and the growth of jack bean intercropped with aloe plants in calcareous soil. The research was carried out in Karangmojo, Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. A Randomized Complete Block Design with two factors and three replications was used. The first factor was the application of four rates of cow manure (10, 15, 20, and 25 t ha-1), and the second factor was the nitrogen fertilizer used, consisting of urea at a dose of 100 and150 kg ha-1 and ammonium sulfate at a dose of 200 and 300 kg ha-1. Control treatment of jack bean monoculture was also made. The variables observed were the number of nodules, percentage of plant height, number of leaves, active nodules, leaf weight, root weight, and fresh weight of the plant. Analysis of variance was used for statistical analysis, and Duncan's Multiple Range Test at the 5% significance level was used for means comparison. The best growth of nodules was obtained at the combination of 20-ton manure with urea of 100 kg ha-1, while the best growth of jack bean plants was gained at 15-ton manure combined with ammonium sulfate 200 kg ha-1, and better than the control. There were correlations between nodule number with a number of active nodules and root weight, but no significant correlation with growth components of a jack bean plant.