Increasing productivity of acid sulphate soil for rice through application of ameliorant in Banyuasin South Sumatera

Abstract

Soil acidity, high solubility of Al, Fe and S as well as low soil fertility are obstacles to rice production in acid sulphate soil. However, rice production can be increase by improving land quality through application of ameliorant. The study was carried out on acid sulphate soil in Banyu Urip Village, Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatra during wet season of 2020. The study aimed to determine the effect of ameliorant to rice production in acid sulphate soil. The study used Randomized Block Design with 6 replications. The ameliorant tested were P1 = control (without ameliorant), P2 = Dolomite [CaMg(CO3)2] (2 t.ha−1), P3 = Agricultural lime/Calcium Carbonate [CaCO3] (2 t.ha−1), P4 = Manure (2 t.ha−1), P5 = Biochar (5 t.ha−1), P6 = dolomite + manure + biochar (1/3 of each dose) and P7 = agricultural lime + manure + biochar (1/3 of each dose); in which Swampland Soil Test Kit was used to determine the ameliorant doses. The ameliorant was spread across the soil surface two weeks before planting, then mixed using hoe at the same time with the second tillage. Parameters observed were agronomic characteristics including plant growth and yield components. Results showed that the provision of ameliorant was able to increase plant growth and productivity of rice in acid sulphate soil. The highest productivity was found in treatment P7 (3.96 t.ha−1 dry unhusked grain) which applied combination of agricultural lime, manure, and biochar.