The effectiveness of biosilica and liquid organic fertilizer application on growth and yields of lowland rice

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the response of superior rice variety (Inpari 33) to the combined fertilization of inorganic fertilizers with organic and biosilica fertilizers to its growth and productivity. Field activities carried out in rice fields at Sidowaluyo Village, Sidomulyo District, South Lampung Regency, Indonesia. The experiment was arranged in a Randomized Block Design with four replications with the treatments were: A. Control (without liquid biosilica or organic fertilizer application); B. Liquid biosilica sprayed on the plants at 21 and 42 days after planting (DAP), 2 l/ha/application; C. Liquid biosilica applied at 21 and 42 DAP, 4 l/ha/application; D. Liquid organic fertilizer applied at 40 and 47 DAP, 1 l/ha/application; and E. Liquid organic fertilizer applied at 40 and 47 DAP, 2 l/ha/application. Results showed that organic liquid fertilizer application at 40 and 47 DAP 2 l/ha/dose increases the number of panicles, grains, rice yields, and straw weight. The application of liquid organic fertilizer increased rice yields by 9.9 % (from 7.10 to 7.88 tons/ha) and rice straw weight by 13.23% (from 11.15 to 12.85 tons/ha) compared to the control. However, the application of biosilica could not increase rice yields or straw weight.