Effect of bionanomaterials and Shorea balangeran compost application on the growth of peat rice (Oryza sativa L.) in peatland

Abstract

Peatlands are acidic with low fertility. Conversely, shallow peat can become a food source for local communities, thus requiring soil amendment to improve productivity and sustainable use. One of the ways is by applying bionanomaterials (BNMs) derived from oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) and oil palm trunk (OPT) as well as Shorea balangeran compost as an indigenous shallow peat species. This study aims to analyze the effect of BNMs on rice germination in a laboratory (in vitro) and rice growth in the greenhouse (in vivo). The experimental design used a completely random design of 2 factors, namely rice varieties and BNMs (activated, non-activated OPEFB, OPT lignocellulose, and non-activated OPT, respectively, at doses of 1%, 3%, 5%, 7%) (in vitro) as well as rice varieties and ameliorant (BNMs, compost) (in vivo). The results showed that BNMs affected average sprout height and germination rates on a laboratory scale. BNMs derived from an activated OPEFB rate of 5% produce the highest percentage of plant life (49.2%) (in vivo). Meanwhile, S. balangeran compost affects the percent of plant life (45.8%). The combination of BNMs and compost application can be applied to peat rice to increase productivity and maintain peatlands’ fertility.