Agricultural Center Research Articles

Post-GWAS Prioritization of Genome–Phenome Association in Sorghum

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are widely used to infer the genetic basis of traits in organisms; however, selecting appropriate thresholds for analysis remains a significant challenge. In this study, we introduce the Sequential SNP Prioritization Algorithm (SSPA) to investigate the genetic underpinnings of two key phenotypes in Sorghum bicolor: maximum canopy height and maximum growth rate. Using a subset of the Sorghum Bioenergy Association Panel cultivated at the Maricopa Agricultural Center in Arizona, we performed GWAS with specific permissive-filtered thresholds to identify genetic markers associated with these traits, enabling the identification of a broader range of explanatory candidate genes. Building on this, our proposed method employed a feature engineering approach leveraging statistical correlation coefficients to unravel patterns between phenotypic similarity and genetic proximity across 274 accessions. This approach helps prioritize Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) that are likely to be associated with the studied phenotype. Additionally, we conducted a complementary analysis to evaluate the impact of SSPA by including all variants (SNPs) as inputs, without applying GWAS. Empirical evidence, including ontology-based gene function, spatial and temporal expression, and similarity to known homologs demonstrates that SSPA effectively prioritizes SNPs and genes influencing the phenotype of interest, providing valuable insights for functional genetics research.

Insight into the changes of European agriculture during the age of Baroque and Enlightenment: interdisciplinary survey of manor farmyard Švamberk (Czech Republic).

Following European exploration of the Americas in the late 15th century, new plants rapidly spread across Europe. Simultaneously, plants from Asia and Africa arrived. Initially, they were grown in ornamental gardens but later became integral to major production centres, significantly transforming European agriculture. Neophytes gained prominence during a period of rapid economic progress in central Europe, and many have been cultivated since the 17th century. Their importance is documented through written sources and archaeobotanical findings.This study of the manor farm Švamberk (Czechia) highlights how multidisciplinary research of agricultural production centres is crucial for understanding pre-industrial landscapes and the environmental impact of early modern societies. Agriculture's development correlates with changes in a landscape now suppressed by industrial interventions, yet key to sustainable development.Plant remains in vault infills and roofs at Švamberk farmstead were dated using dendrochronology, with 99 samples and 81,892 plant macroremains analyzed. Dendrochronological and strontium isotope analyses trace forestry and timber trade over time.Timber felled in the 17th century was likely local, but by the late 18th century, timber came via complex transportation from southern Bohemia. Primary crops were grains, oilseeds, and vegetables, with evidence of exotic species like maize, tobacco, sunflowers (native to the Americas), sorghum (native to Africa), Parthenocissus, and Chinese thuja (native to Asia), some of the oldest archaeological evidence of their cultivation in central Europe.

Los inicios del boom agrícola en Buenos Aires, Argentina: Algo más que agricultura extensiva

Within the framework of the impacts of the First Globalization, which meant an integration of goods and factor markets on a global scale and good performance for Latin American economies, the following work analyzes the beginnings of the agricultural boom in the province of Buenos Aires. The importance of this process lies in the fact that, once the structural obstacles have been overcome, the Pampas region will go through a process of economic growth based on the boom in exports that will allow it as a country to converge with the most developed economies. The intention is to show how and from where agricultural production increased. Based on the handwritten records of the II Economic-Social Census of Argentina, prepared in 1895 and complementary sources, the centrality of the extensive model is clarified for the initial years since different parallel productive systems are identified (ejidos, colonies, ranches and agricultural centers) Likewise, the possible profitability equation of agricultural producers in relation to land and machinery is shown.

Assessing the potential spread of Zaprionus tuberculatus (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in the Americas: insights for proactive management and agricultural protection.

Invasive species pose significant ecological and economic threats globally. Zaprionus tuberculatus Malloch, a drosophilid fruit fly native to the Afrotropical region and Indian Ocean islands, is included in the pest list of the Center for Agriculture and Bioscience (CABI) because it uses fruit as breeding sites and can damage cultivated areas. This fly species extended its range across Europe in the late 20th century; in 2020, it was recorded in South America, and currently, it is widely distributed in Brazil. Here, we assess the potential spreading of Zaprionus tuberculatus in Central and North America based on 2 distinct origins of propagules: from South America and from Europe. To this end, we developed species distribution models using bioclimatic variables and elevation data to project potentially suitable habitats and infer invasion routes. In any case, our results indicate suitability for Z. tuberculatus colonization in Central and North America, including major fruit-producing areas in Central American countries and the United States (Florida and California). The rapid dispersal ability of Z. tuberculatus, coupled with its adaptability to diverse environments, underscores the urgency for proactive monitoring and control measures. Therefore, this study provides valuable insights for developing proactive measures to mitigate the spread of Z. tuberculatus and protect agricultural productivity in the Americas.

Use of CLEANED to Assess the Productive, Environmental, and Economic Impact of Dairy Farms in the Peruvian Amazon.

Dairy farms in developing countries are key to fighting hunger and poverty. However, their environmental and economic impact in the tropical region of Peru has been scarcely studied. The CLEANED tool, developed by the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture, allows us to assess the productive situation and the environmental and economic impact of different dairy systems. The objective of the study was to use the CLEANED tool to evaluate the production, environmental, and economic impacts of extensive and semi-intensive dairy systems in the tropical region of Peru. Data from twelve dairy farms (six extensive and six semi-intensive systems), in two seasons (rainy and dry) were recorded using semi-structured surveys. The required area (ha/year), production (L milk/ha/year), environmental impact (water use in m3/product), and methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions in kg CO2eq/kg fat- and protein-corrected milk (FPCM) were estimated, and the economic analysis was performed for each livestock system. Results showed that the required area was of 28.9 and 32.6 ha, milk yield was 382 and 1254 L/ha/year, water use was 0.59 and 0.29 m3/kg FPCM, CH4 emissions were 1.7 and 1.0 kg CO2eq/kg FPCM, and N2O emissions were 0.22 and 0.17 kg CO2eq/kg FPCM, for the extensive and semi-intensive systems, respectively. The study revealed significant positive differences in semi-intensive livestock systems, including increased productivity, the reduced intensity of CH4 and N2O emissions, and greater profitability.

Meta-Analysis on Farmers’ Adoption of Agricultural Technologies in East Africa: Evidence from Chinese Agricultural Technology Demonstration Centers

Farmers’ low agricultural productivity in East African countries is attributed to among other factors, the low application of modern agricultural technologies. Using meta-analysis this study intended to examine the determinants of adoption of agricultural technologies in East African countries recipients of Chinese Agricultural Technology Demonstration Centers (ATDCs). A comprehensive review employed to gather 22 studies addressing the determinants of adoption of agricultural technologies such as improved varieties, agricultural mechanization, soil conservation, and animal breeding from Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. The collected data were analyzed using STATA 17 software. The study used a random-effect model to estimate the determinants of agricultural technologies adoption. The findings demonstrated that access to credit, age, education, farming experience, farmer group membership, household size, and off-farm income have a significant influence on farmers ‘adoption of improved varieties. Age, farm size, and education have a significant influence on the adoption of agricultural mechanization. Soil conservation practices are influenced by age, household size, and sex. Moreover, age, education, extension services, and farming experience have a significant impact on the adoption of animal breeding. It is recommended that East African governments, policymakers, and agricultural practitioners to focus on these common variables when planning for the intervention of new agricultural technologies.

Time Series Analysis and Optimization of the Prediction Model of Agricultural Insurance Loss Ratio

For ensuring successful financial planning to perform sustainable farming, one key sector is to provide solutions that could accurately predict the agricultural loss ratios. In China, the Henan province is considered to be an agricultural center that is primarily exposed to drastic weather fluctuations that directly impact the crop yields. This study was conducted in Henan province from January 2020 to December 2023. With the data collected from that period, the study proposes a combinatory model combining Deep Gaussian Processes with Bayesian Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks. The model was trained on data encompassing weather conditions, agricultural practices, and historical insurance claims. The experimental analysis was conducted against other traditional models, including ARIMA and Support Vector Regression. The RMSE improvement of the proposed model was around 7.2% on training data and 8.2% on test data, which demonstrates enhanced predictive accuracy. The enhanced performance of the proposed model was reflected in its effectiveness in reducing log-likelihood errors across training epochs. The model had demonstrated better robustness in handling complex and multi-dimensional agricultural data.

Effects of global health initiatives on the quality of care for maternal health services in Sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionGlobal Health Initiatives (GHIs) have significantly improved access to healthcare globally. However, high maternal mortality rates persist in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as Uganda. Despite heavy investment from...

The Ecological Modernization Paradigm applied to fiduciary donations to traditional peoples organizations in the Brazilian Cerrado Biome

This article aims to understand the modus operandi used by the Center for Alternative Agriculture in Northern Minas Gerais (CAA), an non-governmental organization of traditional peoples from the northern region of the state of Minas Gerais, in the course of the implementing the Dedicated Grant Mechanism for Indigenous Peoples, Quilombolas and Traditional Communities of the Brazilian Cerrado Biome (DGM Brazil Project). Based on an empirical study carried out while I was an employee of a non-governmental organization, I propose a differentiated theoretical-methodological format for interdisciplinary research, combining professional experience, documentary analysis and bibliographic review. The article is concerned with linking this experience to other economic and political contexts, with emphasis on the recent dynamics of management and implementation of fiduciary donations by non-governmental organizations in Latin America. It supports the hypothesis that these experiences reproduce the Ecological Modernization Paradigm, based in the belief in efficiency as a means of achieving sustainable development.

Effects of weed management on soil metagenomic composition in cultivated chickpea fields

Abstract Non-chemical methods, including mechanical and manual weed management are important for improving crop yields and preserving soil microbial diversity. In Tunisia, chickpea cultivation uses a combination of these methods to suppress weeds. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of weeding practices on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L. cultivar REBHA) yield and soil microbial diversity. Field experiments were conducted at the Technical Center for Biological Agriculture in Essaida, Tunisia, using six plots with manual and no weeding treatments. Chickpea yield was measured, and soil samples were collected for metagenomic analysis. Floristic surveys identified 13 weed species, with Chenopodium album L., Rumex acetosa L., and Urtica dioica L. being the most dominant. Seed yield ranged from 23.2 to 26.2 qls/ha in non-weeded plots and from 25.1 to 30.1 qls/ha in weeded plots, showing an increase in yield (11.75%) with manual weeding.
Soil metagenomics revealed changes in bacterial community composition between the two treatments. The dominant phylum was Pseudomonadota, whose relative abundance increased from 24.88% in non-weeded plots to 34.76% in weeded plots. Alpha diversity indices showed lower species richness and diversity in weeded soils, with 62000 OTUs in weeded plots compared to 43202 OTUs in non-weeded plots. Betaproteobacteria and Alphaproteobacteria exhibited higher OTU counts in weeded soils. The Simpson diversity index was lower in non-weeded soils (0.025) than in weeded soils (0.075), indicating a more irregular microbial distribution in non-weeded plots. Thus, manual weeding improved chickpea yield and altered the soil bacterial community, increasing diversity in key microbial taxa. This study highlights the complex interaction between weed management practices and soil microbial ecosystems, which may influence crop productivity.

Growth Rate and Production of Hybrid and Local Maize (Zea Mays L.) in Response to Various Doses of Nitrogen Fertilization

Corn (Zea mays L.) is a strategic commodity after rice so that the productivity need to be optimize through nitrogen fertilization. The aim of this research is to evaluate the effect of various doses of urea fertilizer on the growth rate and yield of hybrid corn and local corn. This research was conducted from June to October 2022 on the pilot land of the Agricultural Training Center (Bapeltan), Hajimena, Bandar Lampung. The factorial experiment (5x2) was arranged in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. The first factor is urea fertilizer doses, namely: 200 kg/ha (N1), 250 kg/ha (N2), 300 kg/ha (N3), 350 kg/ha (N4) and 400 kg/ha (N5), while other fertilizers were given to all experimental plots in the same rate (150 SP-36 kg/ha and 100 kg KCl kg/ha). The second factor is the corn variety, included V1 (BISI-18) and V2 (Tongkol Merah) varieties. The results showed that increasing dose of urea from 200 to 400 kg/ha was not able to increase the growth rate of both corn varieties. The productivity of the BISI-18 corn variety is higher than that of the Tongkol Merah as indicated by the wet weight of the cobs (g), the dry weight of grains per plot (g), and the yield of corn dry grains (tons/ha). The yield of dry corn seeds for the BISI-18 corn variety was 11.7 tons/ha, while for the Tongkol Merah variety was 9.44 tons/ha. Keywords: Fertilizer dosage, Hybrid corn, Local corn, Nitrogen use efficiency, Yield.

Analysis Of City Government And Farming Community Partnership In Food Security Policy: Urban Farming Program

The urban farming program is the city government policy to overcome the food security problem for the community's welfare. The study aims to discuss the partnership between the city government and the urban farming community in an urban farming program. It utilizes agricultural land and urban garden as the place for urban agroecological transformation as part of urban food security policy through the partnership capacity theoretical approach from Mathers, et al. This analytic descriptive study uses the case survey method, and data collection is obtained from the unstructured in-depth interview, focus group discussion, and observation in Jeruk urban village in Lakarsantri district in Surabaya. The findings show the success of the partnership between the department of food security and agriculture in Surabaya and Sri Sedono farmer group in the management of the integrated agricultural center. Urban farming program is influenced by mutual consensus which is beneficial to increase crop productivity. However, the result also indicates that the skill base factor is not optimal because of the limited personnel in PPL. Furthermore, the farmers are concerned about adopting new plant varieties. We suggest that the urban farming program can be sustainable and needs to increase the number of personnel in PPL. In addition, it is necessary to increase the entrepreneurial spirit of farmers so that they have innovation values to adopt new crop varieties, and the discipline through the increase of intensity assistance from PPL towards independent, skilled, and professional farmers.

Assessing realized genetic gains in biofortified cassava breeding for over a decade: Enhanced nutritional value and agronomic performance

AbstractBiofortified cassava (Manihot esculenta) plays a crucial role in enhancing the nutritional value of this essential staple, particularly in regions with limited dietary diversity and prevalent nutritional deficiencies. The cassava program at the International Center of Tropical Agriculture has dedicated over a decade to increase β‐carotene content in biofortified cassava, simultaneously focusing on improving yield, dry matter, and plant architecture. This paper presents realized genetic gains in biofortified cassava by analyzing the data from replicated multilocation breeding yield trials at the target population of environments spanning a 10‐year period (2013–2022). Following data curation, we observed significant positive genetic gains per year for β‐carotene content (7.03%), fresh yield (4.15%), dry matter content (0.55%), and height at the first branch (1.29%). A negative correlation between β‐carotene content and dry matter content was observed within 78% of trials. Moreover, our study uncovered a significant negative correlation between β‐carotene content and fresh root yield (r = −0.22, p < 0.01) and an unfavorable positive correlation between β‐carotene content and the number of branches (r = 0.23, p < 0.01). Such negative correlations between β‐carotene content and farm‐preferred traits presented substantial challenges for the development of biofortified cassava varieties. This research showed significant genetic gains and navigated the complexities of biofortified cassava development, providing breeding insights to enhance nutritional value while optimizing agronomic performance.

Stakeholders Analysis in the Development of Local Paddy Varieties in Padang City

The development of local paddy varieties involves many stakeholders. Each stakeholder has a different role ranging from the socialization and farming to the marketing of local rice varieties. This research aims to identify stakeholders and analyze their role in developing local paddy varieties using a descriptive qualitative method. The respondents in this research are stakeholders involved in the development of local paddy varieties in Padang City. The results show that the stakeholders involved are the Padang City Agriculture Office, Agricultural Extension Center, farmers, farmer groups, landowners, seed breeders, production facilities providers, agricultural labor, rice milling units, collecting traders, colleges, sub-district administration, urban village administration, financial institutions, the Regional People’s Representative Council, retailers, and consumers. Classifications of stakeholders show that the Padang City Agriculture Office, the Agricultural Extension Center, farmers, and farmer groups have high influence and interest. These stakeholders are classified as key players. Meanwhile, sub-district administration, urban village administration, financial institutions, and Regional People’s Representative Council have low influence and interest. They are classified as the crowd. All of the stakeholders mentioned that roles play their position as policymakers, coordinators, facilitators, implementers, and accelerators. Keywords: paddy, stakeholders, interest, power, role

Effects of Irrigation and Fertigation on Seedless Watermelon Yield in Southern Indiana

Indiana cultivates approximately 7000 acres of watermelons (Citrullus lanatus) every year, with the majority of production concentrated in southern Indiana, thus making this region a key area for watermelon production in the United States. Diverse irrigation and fertilization practices are used for watermelon production in the region, yet their effects on production outcomes remain poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, this study investigated the impact of existing practices on watermelon yield to optimize irrigation and fertilization practices for improved production. The experiment was conducted at the Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center, Vincennes, IN, USA, during the 2022 and 2023 watermelon seasons. The following four treatments were applied: high irrigation, low irrigation, no irrigation, and fertigation. The fertigation treatment received the same water application as the high irrigation treatment, but with frequent fertilizer application with irrigation; however, fertilizers were applied before planting in the high, low, and no irrigation treatments. Although soil moisture levels at the different depths varied notably among treatments, no significant differences in yield by weight were observed. The minimal impact of irrigation on watermelon yield suggested that sufficient water is stored in the soil to prevent yield-reducing stress during dry periods. However, the high irrigation and fertilization treatments produced more fruit than the low irrigation and no irrigation treatments. The dry periods during both years coincided with the watermelon fruit-setting stages, potentially contributing to the lower fruit set in the low irrigation and no irrigation treatments. Fertigation showed a higher early yield in 2022 than that of the other treatments. An analysis of soil and tissue nitrogen levels indicated that solely applying nitrogen before planting could lead to excessive soil nitrogen during vegetative growth. This excess nitrogen might delay flowering and harvest. This project offers insights into enhancing irrigation and fertilization practices for watermelon production in southern Indiana, provides recommendations, and discusses future research directions.

Chlorantraniliprole resistance associated with diamondback moth (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) outbreaks in Arizona Brassica crops.

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus), isone of the most important insect pests of Brassica crops worldwide. In October 2016, outbreaks of an invasive P. xylostella population and unexpected control failures occurred on broccoli and cauliflower crops throughout all vegetable-growing regions in Arizona. Nineteen populations of Plutella xylostella were collected from 2016 to 2021 from various commercial cauliflower fields in Yuma and Scottsdale, Arizona, and from experimental broccoli plots at the University of Arizona, Yuma Agricultural Center (UAYAC), Yuma, Arizona. Populations collected from the commercial cauliflower fields had been transplanted with seedlings produced in a local Yuma nursery in 2016 and Salinas, CA in 2017 to 2018, whereas experimental broccoli plots were direct seeded. These populations were evaluated for their susceptibility to chlorantraniliprole, spinetoram, emamectin benzoate, and cyantraniliprole. In this study, field rate laboratory bioassays, serial dilution laboratory bioassays, and field efficacy spray experiments were performed. The field rate laboratory bioassay results showed that spinetoram, emamectin benzoate, and cyantraniliprole remained effective at controlling P. xylostella, but chlorantraniliprole did not control P. xylostella at the field rate. Additionally, serial dilution bioassays confirmed significant levels of cyantraniliprole and chlorantraniliprole resistance in the P. xylostella populations collected from transplanted cauliflower fields. However, the results of the multiyear/growing-seasons study monitoring the susceptibility of P. xylostella populations collected from direct-seeded broccoli and field efficacy trials conducted at the UAYAC indicated that the resistance to diamide insecticides was neither uniform nor persistent following the 2016 outbreak. Nevertheless, the risk for P. xylostella resistance in Arizona vegetable-growing regions exists, particularly in Brassica transplants. Therefore, we recommend that Arizona Brassica growers remain vigilant and practice rigorous insecticide resistance management to offset the development of resistance.

Multi-Scale Meteorological Impact on PM2.5 Pollution in Tangshan, Northern China.

Tangshan, a major industrial and agricultural center in northern China, frequently experiences significant PM2.5 pollution events during winter, impacting its large population. These pollution episodes are influenced by multi-scale meteorological processes, though the complex mechanisms remain not fully understood. This study integrates surface PM2.5 concentration data, ground-based and upper-air meteorological observations, and ERA5 reanalysis data from 2015 to 2019 to explore the interactions between local planetary boundary layer (PBL) structures and large-scale atmospheric processes driving PM2.5 pollution in Tangshan. The results indicate that seasonal variations in PM2.5 pollution levels are closely linked to changes in PBL thermal stability. During winter, day-to-day increases in PM2.5 concentrations are often tied to atmospheric warming above 1500 m, as enhanced thermal inversions and reduced PBL heights lead to pollutant accumulation. Regionally, this aloft warming is driven by a high-pressure system at 850 hPa over the southern North China Plain, accompanied by prevailing southwesterly winds. Additionally, southwesterly winds within the PBL can transport pollutants from the adjacent Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region to Tangshan, worsening pollution. Simulations from the chemical transport model indicate that regional pollutant transport can contribute to approximately half of the near-surface PM2.5 concentration under the unfavorable synoptic conditions. These findings underscore the importance of multi-scale meteorology in predicting and mitigating severe wintertime PM2.5 pollution in Tangshan and surrounding regions.

Productivity and quality parameters of Allium fistulosum L.

ABSTRACT The growing demand for non-traditional plant products encourages research into new plant species and cultivars. Allium fistulosum is the earliest leafy plant cultivated in the open field in Lithuania. Therefore, it is important to study plant cultivars and determine the harvesting time to obtain quality products. The study was conducted in the experimental vegetable field of the Institute of Horticulture of the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry in 2022–2023. The phenological stages of two different cultivars, morphological characteristics, productivity, and the plant's winter hardiness were observed. Measurements were performed and harvest was done three times: in spring, summer, and autumn. The results showed that genetic origin and harvesting time influenced differences in the morphometric parameters, productivity, and ascorbic acid accumulation of A. fistulosum cultivars. Cultivar ‘Bajkal’ is distinguished with longer and wider foliage, the highest productivity rate, and better adaptivity. This cultivar's most intensive plant growth was determined in autumn, but the highest weight of the plant reaching 0.5 kg was determined in spring. Cultivar ‘Marozka’ is distinguished by the higher ability of ascorbic acid accumulation compared with the cultivar ‘Bajkal’. The content of ascorbic acids reached 34.9 mg g−1 of cultivar ‘Marozka’ during the spring harvesting and up to 8,8 mg g−1 of ‘Bajkal’, respectively. The total sugar amount and weight of dry matter were more intensive in spring for both cultivars. In the cultivars ‘Marozka’ and ‘Bajkal’ leaves were found a higher amount of nitrates at 45.7 and 50.9 mg kg −1 in autumn.

Horseshoe effects on equine gait-A systematic scoping review.

To provide an overview of available research about effects of horseshoes on equine kinetics and kinematics. The terms, "horse/equine," "hoof," "shoes/horseshoes," "kinetics," and "kinematics" were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Center for Agriculture and Bioscience International, and United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Library for manuscripts from first availability to 2024. Independent reviewers used preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines to map and extract evidence-based data from sources. Metrics included participant demographics, research methods, major findings, and study limitations. Knowledge gaps were also identified. A total of 46 studies were included. Most utilized non-lame horses to compare original shoe designs or modifications to unshod or a standard open-heel shoe. Horse demographics and gait, study design and outcome measures varied widely. Prevalent data collection equipment included force platforms and pressure plates, wearable force measuring technology, and videography. Many studies reported shoeing effects on limb forces and motion, but there was little consensus among unrelated studies. Common limitations included insufficient data resolution, no randomization, small sample size, single breed, and outcome measures specific or unique to the study. Knowledge gaps included data collection from all limbs and the impact of conformation and limb and hoof morphology and health condition on outcomes. Information from manuscripts that met inclusion criteria confirmed distinct, variable effects of shoe characteristics on equine gait parameters. Details from published work can serve as resource for clinical decisions and to guide standardization among investigations on shoe configuration effects on equine motion.

EFISIENSI PEMANFAATAN PUPUK ANORGANIK MELALUI APLIKASI BOKASHI GAMAL PADA TANAMAN CABAI MERAH BESAR HIBRIDA (Capsicum annuum L.)

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficiency of inorganic fertilizer utilization through the use of bokashi from Gliricidia sepium on large hybrid chili plants and its effects on the physical and chemical properties of the soil as well as plant growth and productivity. This study was conducted in Pakkabba Village, North Galesong District, Takalar Regency, and soil, bokashi, and leaf tissue analysis was carried out at the Soil Laboratory of the Agricultural Assessment and Technology Center (BPTP) Maros. This research was conducted using a Randomized Block Design with 8 treatments: 100% inorganic fertilizer (ZA 650, Urea 250, SP36 500, and KCl 450 kg.ha-1); 90% inorganic fertilizer + Bokashi of Gliricidia sepium 5 t.ha-1; 80% inorganic fertilizer + Bokashi of Gliricidia sepium 10 t.ha-1; 70% inorganic fertilizer + Bokashi of Gliricidia sepium 15 t.ha-1; 60% inorganic fertilizer + Bokashi of Gliricidia sepium 20 t.ha-1; 50% inorganic fertilizer + Bokashi of Gliricidia sepium 25 t.ha-1; Without inorganic fertilizer + Bokashi Gliricidia sepium 30 t.ha-1. The results showed that the application of Gliricidia sepium bokashi did not have a significant effect on the level of soil porosity. The application of Gliricidia sepium bokashi increased the residue of N, P, K soil, C-organic, CEC, and soil pH at the end of the study. Inorganic fertilizer 70% of the recommended dose + 15 t.ha-1 Gliricidia sepium bokashi provided significantly better hybrid large chili productivity compared to other treatments, namely 22.11 t.ha-1. Gliricidia sepium bokashi 30 t.ha-1 without inorganic fertilizer produced chili productivity that was no different from the treatment of 100% inorganic fertilizer. These results indicate that the use of 30 t.ha-1 Gliricidia sepium bokashi can save 100% of inorganic fertilizer (650 kg ZA, 250 kg urea, 500 kg SP-36, and 450 kg KCl) in large chili plantings so that the use of 30 t.ha-1 Gliricidia sepium bokashi without inorganic fertilizer can be an alternative for organic cultivation of hybrid large chili plants.