Effect of pineapple skin Bokashi on improvement of soil properties and growth of shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.)

Abstract

Shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.) is one of the horticultural crops that has high economic value, along with the increase in demand for this commodity. Alluvial is a type of soil with the potential for agricultural development, among others, and can be used to cultivate shallots. However, this soil has physical and chemical constraints that can inhibit plant growth, so it requires soil amendment treatment to improve it. This study aimed at determining the effect of a combination of cow dung compost and pineapple skin bokashi on the improvement of alluvial soil properties and the growth of shallot plants. The research used polybags and was carried out in the laboratory and greenhouse of the Faculty of Agriculture, Panca Bhakti University, Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia, lasting 60 days from February-April 2022. The study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Each polybag was filled with 8 kg of soil and added the cow dung compost of 80 g. Then, the treatment of bokashi pineapple skin consisted of eight levels: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 g/polybag. Each replication consisted of three plant samples so that the plant numbers were 72 units. The research results showed that the use of organic amendments of pineapple skin bokashi affected improving alluvial soil properties, which could reduce BD and increase soil pores, pH, organic C, P available and N total of soil. Furthermore, there was an increase in the growth of shallot plants as a result of the treatment given. The research findings showed that the best growth of shallots was achieved at the dose of 60 g/polybag pineapple skin bokashi. Furthermore, it can be recommended that further research be carried out on the effect of the combination of cow dung. compost and other organic and inorganic amendments.