Nurhidayati, Zaenal Kusuma, Sudarto
Ranupani is a buffer zone of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (BTSNP) which has great potential erosion, due to the steep slope, excessive agricultural intensification and non-optimal conservation behavior. The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of mulch related to the changes in the chemical fertility, erosion and potato production on Andisol of Ranupani. We used a randomized block design (RBD) in five levels of mulch treatments, i.e. M0 = without mulch, M1= black silver plastic, M2= Chromolaena odorata, M3= Bokashi, and M4= Imperata clyndrica. Observations were made on 14, 45, 75 and 105 Days after Treatments (DaT). The results showed that the Bokashi mulch (M3) was most effectively improved the chemical fertility as follows: C of 9.19%, N of 7.69%, P of 76.01% compared to M0. M3 treatment also increase 34.9% the tuber weight of 7.88 ton.ha-1 from no mulch 21.25 ton.ha-1 and more effective in reducing loss of C 12.83% compared without mulch. Black silver plastic mulch (M1) was most effectively decreased the erosion for 80.1% and 19.62% of P loss from without mulch. M4 effectively lowering the N losses of 13.79% and K of 35.7%. We found positive correlation between the Pinitial and PTotal, PTotal and Weight tuber, and Kinitial to KTotal. There is a positive and strong correlation between changes in chemical fertility especially P (r = 0.93, R2 = 0.88) and K (r = 0.90, R2 = 0.81) to the weight of tuber production. © 2014 Sphinx Knowledge House. All Rights Reserved.
East Kutai High Education of Agriculture, Indonesia; Agriculture, University of Brawijaya, Jl. Veteran Malang, Indonesia; Department of Soil Sciences, University of Brawijaya, Jl. Veteran Malang, Indonesia
