Humic Acid for Soil Quality Improvement with Application of Scan Automation on Seedless Watermelon Cultivation

Abstract

Purpose: Sustainable agricultural intensification needs to be well developed. Therefore, food and agricultural production activities can be continuously produced without damaging the ecosystems and environment. One that can be used is a plant biostimulant based on humus. This research was conducted to examine the effect of humic acid as a soil biostimulant and the impact of its use on the yield of seedless watermelon cultivated on marginal land. This study involve IoT technology through monitoring soil quality which is carried out based on the concept of precision agriculture using the farm management system (FMS) Agrooscan tool. Methods: The study used humic acid factor for five treatments (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 g/L). Observations included soil conditions monitored with Agrooscan instruments such as soil pH, nutrients (N, P, K), as well as measuring plant height, fruit weight, fruit volume and total sugar content (Brix). Results: The results showed that application of humic acid increased the nutrient content in the soil and significantly affected soil pH and seedless watermelon yields. The 8 g/L treatment gave the highest soil N and K values, and was significantly different from no treatment (control). Conclusions: Thus, exogenous use of humic acid as a soil nutrient supplement can be used to help increase marginal land use, including in the development of seedless watermelon cultivation. The use of Agrooscan as a tool to scan soil conditions plays a very important role in maintaining the quality of nutrients so that the growth of watermelon cultivation can run better.