Jurnal Online Pertanian Tropik

Correlation Between Soil Macrofauna and Soil Chemical Properties in Smallholder Palm Oil Plantations

Raharya Pratama — 2025-10-09

Writing

This study aimed to determine the relationship between soil macrofauna communities and soil chemical properties in smallholder oil palm plantations. Field sampling and laboratory analyses were conducted at five observation points arranged diagonally. Soil macrofauna were collected using two methods: the pitfall trap method for surface-dwelling organisms and the monolith method for subsurface organisms. Observed parameters included population abundance, species diversity and richness, organic carbon (C-organic), total nitrogen (N-total), available phosphorus (P), and exchangeable potassium (K-dd). Data were tested for normality and linearity prior to correlation analysis. The results from the pitfall trap method showed that pygmy grasshoppers (Tetrigidae) were strongly correlated with C-organic (r = 0.757) and N-total (r = 0.677), while termites (Termitidae) also showed strong correlations with C-organic (r = 0.612) and N-total (r = 0.553). Carpenter ants (Formicidae) exhibited negative correlations with all soil nutrients, whereas black garden ants (Formicidae) showed a strong positive correlation with available P (r = 0.604). Only one species was found using the monolith method; therefore, no further analysis was conducted. Overall, macrofauna diversity and species richness showed very strong correlations with C-organic and N-total (r > 0.94), and strong correlations with K-dd (r = 0.860). These findings indicate that the availability of organic carbon, nitrogen, and potassium plays a crucial role in shaping soil macrofauna community structure in smallholder oil palm plantations.

The Effect of Livestock Ownership and Educational Level on the Economic Welfare of Goat Farmers in Kedungbanteng District

Krismiwati Muatip — 2025-10-11

This study aims to examine the number of goats owned and the education levels of breeders in Kedungbanteng District, to assess their economic welfare, and to analyze the influence of livestock numbers and education on the welfare of goat farmers. Kedungbanteng District was selected using purposive sampling due to its relatively high poverty rate in Banyumas Regency. Villages were sampled randomly, representing 50% of the district’s total villages: Beji, Karangnangka, Kedungbanteng, Dawuhan Kulon, Kebocoran, Dawuhan Wetan, and Melung.A total of 77 goat breeders were selected as respondents using the Slovin formula and random sampling. Data were analyzed through quantitative descriptive analysis, NTPRP, and multiple linear regression. The results showed that breeders owned an average of 5.67 goats, had an average of 7.27 years of formal education, and achieved an average welfare level of 1.49. Furthermore, the study found that both the number of livestock owned and the breeders’ education levels significantly influenced their economic welfare.

Impact of Bioameliorants and Trichoderma sp. on Nutrient Availability, Plant Immunity, and Red Chili Productivity.

Fathya Dewi Amalia — 2025-10-11

The low productivity of chili plants needs to be increased through soil fertility and pest and disease control. The application of bioameliorants (50% biochar, 25% sugarcane blotong compost, 10% dolomite, 10% guano, 2.5% humic acid, and 2.5% biofertilizer) aims to improve the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil and enhance nutrient availability. Trichoderma sp. is needed to stimulate growth and induce resistance. The research aims to determine the best interaction and dosage of bioameliorants and Trichoderma sp. on the parameters of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, available P, plant height, number of leaves, fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, and induced resistance. The research was conducted at the Bale Tatanen Experimental Garden of the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran. The research used a Randomized Block Design (RBD) factorial with nine treatments and three repetitions. The treatments included bioameliorants at 0 t ha^-1, 3 t ha^-1, 6 t ha^-1and Trichoderma sp. at 0 kg ha^-1, 8 kg ha^-1, and 16 kg ha^-1. The results of the application of bioameliorants and the biological agent Trichoderma sp., as well as the control treatment, showed no interaction between treatments. The application of bioameliorants and biological agents showed the best dose in the independent effect of bioameliorant at 6 t ha^-1, which increased available P by 86.6% compared to the control. The application of Trichoderma sp. showed the best dose at 16 kg ha^-1, which reduced the intensity of leaf curl virus disease by 66.6% compared to the control and reduced the intensity of fruit fly pest attacks at 16 kg ha^-1by 20.5% compared to the control.

The Potential of Various Composting Materials and Biochar as Soil Amendments to Increase Soil Nitrogen Availability (A Review)

Fatharani Raidasari — 2025-10-12

Nitrogen is an essential soil nutrient that is often a limiting factor in agricultural practices due to its tendency to be easily lost from the soil through various natural processes. Maintaining and increasing nitrogen availability in the soil is a primary focus in efforts to increase agricultural productivity. The purpose of this article is to provide information on the potential of various compost and biochar materials as soil amendments. The method used was a literature review to collect data related to compost and biochar. Various sources of compost and biochar contain varying nutrient contents, which have the potential to increase nitrogen availability in the soil. Compost application to the soil contributes to the nitrogen cycle through mineralization and immobilization processes, and nitrogen adsorption by biochar can reduce nitrogen leaching. The application of various types of compost or a combination with biochar is recommended to maintain nutrient balance and improve soil quality. Future research can explore further to determine optimal strategies for compost and biochar application to support more productive and sustainable agriculture.