Authors:Lailatul Fitria, Soemarno Soemarno Pages: 48 - 61 Abstract: Coffee in Indonesia is currently one of the most important plantation commodities. Inappropriate management of coffee plantations causes low soil quality especially in smallholder coffee plantations, one of which is the density (compaction) of soil in coffee plantations that has a clayey texture. This study was aimed to analyze the effect of lime and compost application on the chemical characteristics and saturated hydraulic conductivity (SHC) of the soil. The experiment was carried out at Glasshouse Agro Techno Park (ATP) Jatikerto from September 2020-February 2021. Soil samples were taken from coffee gardens at a depth of 0-30 cm and 30-60 cm. The incubation study in the greenhouse used Factorial Complete Randomized Design with 12 treatments and 3 replications. Incubation was carried out for 8 weeks. Treatment factors include the depth of the soil sample (0-30 cm and 30-60 cm); compost (0 tons ha-1, 10 tons ha-1 and20 tons ha-1) and lime (0 tons ha-1 and 2.5 tons ha-1). Results showed that the treatment combination of 2.5 ton ha-1 of lime and 20 ton ha-1 of compost gave the best results measured by the availability of N and K nutrients and an increase in the SHC. However, results in this treatment were almost the same as treatment of 2.5 ton ha-1 of lime and 10 ton ha-1 of compost. The combination of compost and lime has a significant effect on improving the chemical characteristics of the soil and the SHC of the topsoil (0-30 cm) and the subsoil (30-60 cm). PubDate: 2022-01-08 DOI: 10.20961/carakatani.v37i1.54010 Issue No:Vol. 37, No. 1 (2022)
Authors:Hidehiro Inagaki, Saruta Yuto, Yoto Daiki Pages: 62 - 70 Abstract: In agricultural lands, citrus orchards, pest feeding and weed seed predation by ground-dwelling arthropods are essential ecosystem services. This research aims to investigate the effects of different undergrowth vegetation, including weed area, bare land, rattail fescue and white clover fields, on the types and densities of functional ground-dwelling arthropods in citrus orchards, using pitfall traps. The captured organisms included carnivorous beetles (Pheropsophus jessoensis, Chlaenius naeviger and Dolichus halensis), wolf spiders (Lycosidae sp.), earwigs (Anisolabididae sp.), house centipedes (Scutigeromorpha sp.), herbivorous ground beetles (Amara sp., Harpalinae sp.), crickets and millipedes. Furthermore, the population of the functional ground-dwelling arthropods was significantly increased by the presence of a live mulch, where a higher number was seen in the rattail fescue or white clover compared to the weed or bare land fields. The cover crops also affected the types of arthropods identified, with the rattail fescue field including more Pheropsophus jessoensis while the white clover had an elevated number of wolf spiders, earwigs and Amara sp. (a weed seed predator). This discovery indicates that the type of undergrowth vegetation plays an important role in enhancing functional biodiversity. The kind of pests and weeds that these arthropods are effective against, as well as the extent to which their densities can be decreased, is also unknown. Therefore, further research on the feeding habit and predation of these arthropods should be conducted. PubDate: 2022-01-25 DOI: 10.20961/carakatani.v37i1.56991 Issue No:Vol. 37, No. 1 (2022)
Authors:Camillus Abawiera Wongnaa, Richard Kwasi Bannor, Raymond K Dziwornu, Joel Atta Ennin, Emmanuel Assibey Osei, Courage Adzikah, Arthur Charles Pages: 71 - 88 Abstract: The local onion market in Ghana is dominated by ‘on the spot’ market relationships with little or no coordination of chains to improve quality and performance. This study examines the market structure, conduct and their influence on the performance of the onion market in the southern part of Ghana, using data from 180 actors, comprising 80 farmers, 40 wholesalers and 60 retailers. Descriptive statistics, Gini coefficient, Lorenz curve, Herfindahl-Hirschman index and Garett ranking were the methods of analysis used. The results showed that traders were operating in an oligopolistic market with Gini coefficients of 0.62 and 0.56 for wholesalers and retailers, respectively. The findings also revealed that farmers (69%) were more open to contracts than wholesalers (20%) and retailers (11%). Moreover, onion production proved to be costly for farmers as they had a negative return of 1.55% on their investment while wholesalers and retailers made positive returns of 29.85% and 31.1%, respectively. Finally, high production cost, high marketing cost and unavailability of storage structures were ranked as the most pressing constraints to farmers, wholesalers and retailers, respectively. It is recommended that the government, donor support agencies for agriculture and local NGOs come to the aid of farmers by providing them with fixed assets at a subsidized price. This will relieve the farmers from heavy losses which threaten the future food security of the country. PubDate: 2022-01-26 DOI: 10.20961/carakatani.v37i1.51899 Issue No:Vol. 37, No. 1 (2022)
Authors:Sopialena Sopialena, Suyadi Suyadi, Septri Alfian Noor Pages: 89 - 99 Abstract: Endemic leaf rust disease always occurs in almost all maize plantations in Indonesia. Furthermore, the development of this disease differs concurrently and is greatly influenced by the ecological conditions of maize cultivation. Therefore, this study fills the epidemiological gap of diseases that has not been conducted against the epidemiology of maize rust. This identifies the causes of leaf rust that attacked the maize plants in two locations, namely Bayur and Muang Dalam, Lempake, Samarinda, Indonesia. This study also analyzed the relationship or model between ecological factors of temperature, humidity, and soil fertility on the intensity of leaf rust and the infection rate of maize leaf rust. Measurement of disease intensity, the rate at which it developed, soil fertility and temperature and humidity of the area are conducted in this study. Meanwhile, soil fertility also influenced disease progression and the nutrient-poor soils in two sites cause leaf rust disease to develop well. The identification results showed that the cause of maize leaf rust was Puccinia sorghi Schw. Therefore, the temperature accompanied by the increased humidity is directly proportional to the development of the leaf rust. PubDate: 2022-02-14 DOI: 10.20961/carakatani.v37i1.34920 Issue No:Vol. 37, No. 1 (2022)
Authors:Muhammad Rendana, Sahibin Abdul Rahim, Wan Mohd Razi Idris, Zulfahmi Ali Rahman, Tukimat Lihan Pages: 100 - 110 Abstract: Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is one of the commodity crops and is mostly found in tropical lands. This study aimed to analyze the current and potential land suitability for oil palm using the geographic information system (GIS) technique. The study was conducted in the Ranau District, Sabah State, Malaysia. Field activity was carried out to collect soil samples and land information in the study area. Land suitability was then assessed using the matching method and GIS software was employed to produce a land suitability map for oil palm. The results indicated that the current land suitability classes in the study area were highly suitable (S1) with a total area of 99,118 ha (27.4%); moderately suitable (S2) with 110,108 ha (30.4%); marginally suitable (S3) with 109,533 ha (30.2%); currently not suitable (N1) with 2,728 ha (0.7%) and permanently not suitable (N2) with 40,693 ha (11.3%). Meanwhile, the potential land suitability classes showed 198,206 ha (54.7%) for S1; 123,281 ha (34%) for S2 and 40,693 ha (11.3%) for N2. Suitable areas that could be planted with oil palm included the gently sloping flank and the low gradient slope margin. Availability of nutrients and work capability were the dominant limiting factors in the study area. The outputs of this study recommend that the Ranau District has the potential for oil palm although it still needs land improvements for sustainable oil palm cultivation. PubDate: 2022-02-17 DOI: 10.20961/carakatani.v37i1.57441 Issue No:Vol. 37, No. 1 (2022)
Authors:Nasrudin Nasrudin, Arrin Rosmala, Rachmanto Bambang Wijoyo Pages: 111 - 122 Abstract: Salinity makes disorder to plant physiological causes decreasing in biomass production. Applying silica nutrients is expected to increase paddy (Oryza sativa L.) tolerance to salinity. The study aims to examine the effects of the application of silica nutrients under saline conditions regarding plant growth analysis and its correlation to paddy biomass production. The research was arranged in a factorial completely randomized design with two factors. The first factor was NaCl concentrations consisting of four levels, including non-saline, 4 dS m-1, 8 dS m-1 and 12 dS m-1. The second factor was silica doses per kg soil with three levels including 300 mg, 450 mg and 600 mg. The treatments were repeated three times. The result showed that the NaCl concentration affected root shoot ratio at harvest. Silica dosage affected leaf area index 8 weeks after planting (WAP), root shoot ration at harvest and net assimilation rate. Interaction of NaCl concentration and silica dose affected root shoot ratio in 8 WAP and at harvest. Plant growth analysis illustrated on leaf area index, plant growth rate and root shoot ratio correlated positively with biomass production. However, the harvest index and net assimilation rate showed negative correlations to biomass production. The application of silica nutrients had the potential to improve paddy growth and yield under saline conditions. PubDate: 2022-02-22 DOI: 10.20961/carakatani.v37i1.43425 Issue No:Vol. 37, No. 1 (2022)
Authors:Limbang Kustiawan Nuswantara, Sunarso Sunarso, Mukh Arifin, Agus Setiadi Pages: 123 - 131 Abstract: High feed price is a major problem in the production of beef cattle. Therefore, this study aims to determine coconut coir's technical and economic potential for beef cattle feed. This is an in vivo and in vitro study that involved 95 days trial period and 16 male Brahman crossbreed cattle weighing 134±12.1 kg. The coconut coir was fermented using buffalo rumen liquid and was termed fermented coconut coir (FCC). A randomized block design was used in this research, including four feed treatments, namely complete feed D1 using 15% FCC, D2 using 20% FCC, D3 using 25% FCC and D4 using 30% FCC. The parameters observed were technical performance (protein, dry and organic matter intake), ruminal fermentability, purine derivatives and economic performance. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple range test for posthoc multiple comparisons. The results showed that the intake of beef cattle feed D1, D2 and D3 was higher than D4. Furthermore, the digestibility of D1, D2 and D4 was higher than D3. The purine derivatives of D2 were the highest but not significantly different (P > 0.05) from D1 and D4. In addition, the ruminal fermentability was not significantly different (P > 0.05) among treatments. Moreover, the beef cattle feed on D2 had the best economic performance. The performance results showed that ruminal fermentability, purine derivatives and economic performance of D2 (20% FCC) gave the best results but were not statistically different (P > 0.05) from other variables. Conclusively, coconut coir can be used as beef cattle feed without causing health problems. PubDate: 2022-02-25 DOI: 10.20961/carakatani.v37i1.55136 Issue No:Vol. 37, No. 1 (2022)
Authors:Ekawati Ekawati, Rahmatullah Rizieq, Ellyta Ellyta Pages: 132 - 141 Abstract: Coconut is one of the key plantation commodities in the Mempawah Regency that needs to be developed. This is necessary in order to increase the income of coconut sugar craftsmen and also allow them gain knowledge of the industrial scale through feasibility studies on the agro-industry. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the structure of production cost and operating income as well as the feasibility of the coconut sugar agro-industry. This analysis is important for craftsmen in the regency that engage in the continuous production of coconut sugar. Furthermore, this study was conducted in Mempawah Regency with 34 coconut farmers. The analysis of the R/C ratio and Break-Even Point (BEP) was used to determine the indicator of financial feasibility. The result revealed that the average production cost needed by the agro-industry was 7,659,868 IDR month-1 and the generated income was 3,483,132 IDR month-1. Additionally, the coconut sugar agro-industry was financially feasible as the obtained R/C ratio was 1.45. The BEP of production volume and Cost of Good Solds (COGS) was 346 kg and 9,814.92 IDR which is less than the actual production volume and price. It was suggested that craftsmen of coconut sugar produce more than 346 kg of sugar per month with a selling price above 9,814.92 IDR kg-1 in order to obtain profit. PubDate: 2022-02-25 DOI: 10.20961/carakatani.v37i1.51866 Issue No:Vol. 37, No. 1 (2022)
Authors:Maulana Tamyiz, Lucky Prayoga, Rendie Prasetyo, Erik Harry Murchie, Sugiyono Sugiyono Pages: 142 - 151 Abstract: Aquilaria malaccensis Lamk. is one of the most widespread agarwood-producing plants that face extinction due to overexploitation. Agarwood propagation using in vitro culture techniques is capable of producing large quantities of plants in a shorter time and free from pests and diseases. Therefore, this study was conducted to analyze the effect of auxins type and concentration on agarwood plantlet formation using a split-plot design. The main plot was the type of auxin which included IAA, IBA and NAA, while the subplot was the concentration used which consisted of 0; 5; 10; 15 and 20 µM. The variable observed was agarwood plantlet formation with parameters measured including the number of shoots and leaves, plant height, and number of roots. The results showed that the formation of agarwood plantlets was controlled by the type, concentration, and interaction between the type and concentration of auxin. Furthermore, explants cultured on Murashige Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 10 µM IBA produced the highest number of shoots (3.39 shoots explant-1) and leaves (7.25 leaves explants-1), while the addition of 10 uM NAA resulted in the highest number of roots (2.52 roots explant-1). This is the first time a study is conducted to evaluate the effect of type and concentration of auxins on agarwood plantlet formation. The production of high-quality shoots and plantlets increased agarwood germplasm availability to prevent extinction and support sustainable production. PubDate: 2022-02-27 DOI: 10.20961/carakatani.v37i1.58370 Issue No:Vol. 37, No. 1 (2022)
Authors:Rindang Dwiyani, Yuyun Fitriani, Ixora Sartika Mercuriani Pages: 152 - 160 Abstract: Due to the high cost of the most often used basic media in tissue culture, it is vital to identify more affordable alternatives. This research aimed to determine the best alternative culture media for the protocorm and plantlet growth of Coelogyne pandurata Lindl. It employed a completely randomized design, eight treatments and four replications. The treatments referred to the different types media and consisted of M1 = New Phalaenopsis (NP) medium, M2 = a medium made from foliar fertilizer (FFM), M3 = NP + 2 cc L-1 AB mix solution (a media for hydroponics), M4 = FFM + 2 cc L-1 AB mix solution, M5 = NP + 50 cc L-1 of tomato extract, M6 = NP + 50 cc L-1 of bean sprout extract, M7 = FFM + 50 cc L-1 of tomato extract and M8 = FFM + 50 cc L-1 of bean sprout extract. The M4 medium exhibited the best results in terms of average leaves count (4.80), average shoot length (2.68 cm), average root length (4.35 cm), the average fresh weight per plantlet (214.5 mg) and dry weight of plantlets (73.1 mg). The average number of roots per plantlet was 4.25, acquired using the less expensive M8 treatment, which also produces a negligible number of leaves (4.50). In conclusion, the M4 medium is the most appropriate medium for growing protocorm and plantlet of C. pandurata. The experiment also found that the FFM basic medium combined with 50 cc L-1 of bean sprout extract can be used as another cheaper alternative for growing protocorms of C. pandurata. PubDate: 2022-03-01 DOI: 10.20961/carakatani.v37i1.55956 Issue No:Vol. 37, No. 1 (2022)
Authors:Heather M. Burrow Pages: 161 - 170 Abstract: The world’s population is expected to increase significantly by 2050, leading to significantly increased demands for meat and dairy products. However, cattle are major emitters of greenhouse gases that speed up climate change. To achieve food security by 2050, livestock enterprises need to double their outputs from constant resources, in the face of increased competition for inputs such as land, water, grain and labour. To cope with climate change, the livestock need to be productive under hotter and drier climates and be able to tolerate increased challenges from parasites and vector-borne diseases. The best way for smallholder cattle farmers in tropical low-medium income countries to overcome these multiple challenges is to focus on improving the productivity of their herds. This paper discusses a range of simple and cost-effective options already available to smallholder farmers to significantly improve the productivity and profitability of their herds and by doing so, they will indirectly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from their cattle and improve the natural resource base on which their cattle graze. Improved herd productivity will in turn deliver significant social, environmental, economic and livelihood benefits to the smallholder farmers themselves and the communities and value chains in which they operate. PubDate: 2022-03-08 DOI: 10.20961/carakatani.v37i1.56566 Issue No:Vol. 37, No. 1 (2022)
Authors:Vishwambhar Prasad Sati Pages: 171 - 184 Abstract: Mizoram is an underdeveloped state where agriculture, dominated by shifting cultivation is the main occupation and a source of income for nearly half of the population. Therefore, this study aimed to examine ‘whether the shifting cultivation is economically viable, or whether permanent cultivation instead has the potential to boost up income and economy of the rural farming community in Mizoram’. To address these questions, a household-level survey was conducted in 2018 based on a case study of 16 villages, comprising two each from eight districts. A purposive random sampling method was applied to select households and a structured questionnaire was developed with questions pertaining to various aspects of shifting and permanent cultivation. Mizoram only has approximately 5% of arable land, of which shifting cultivation accounts for more than 50%. In the past, the output from shifting cultivation was able to feed the farming communities called Jhumias but the area, production and productivity of the crops have recently decreased considerably. This is primarily accountable for the increasing food needs and decreasing crop production, as well as climate variability, land ownership rights and lifestyle change. Meanwhile, the production and productivity of crops grown using permanent cultivation are comparatively higher. It is then suggested that land rights for Jhumias need to be protected for permanent cultivation. The addition of value by commercializing crops will enhance income and effectively boost the economy. PubDate: 2022-03-12 DOI: 10.20961/carakatani.v37i1.59407 Issue No:Vol. 37, No. 1 (2022)
Authors:Kingsley Chidi Emeasor, Victor Nkwachi Nwakanma, David Nwazuo Enyiukwu Pages: 185 - 196 Abstract: Weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motsch.) is a vital arthropod pest of maize (Zea mays L.) grains and flours in traditional storage systems. The pest bore holes into stored grains reducing their nutrient contents germination potentials and contaminating produce with frass. Its control using synthetic insecticides such as permethrin is being downplayed due to eco-mammalian toxicity from pesticide residues. Therefore, this study evaluates the toxicities of some indigenous plants Ageratum conyzoides L., Cymbopogon nardus L., clay and permethrin, under laboratory conditions to the insect pest. Maize grains weighing 50 g were treated with the plant powders and the synthetic insecticide at five different levels 0.00; 1.25; 2.50; 3.75 and 5.00 g. Subsequently, 10 adult weevils in each vial were used to infest the 50 g maize grains. Each plant powder and permethrin's effectiveness was assessed by recording weevil mortality at 5, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days post-treatment. The damage indices recorded by the weevil perforation index (WPI), percentage of perforated and unperforated grains, and weight loss percentage were also considered. Permethrin proved most toxic, followed by clay at 5.00 g among all the treatments. A. conyzoides and C. nardus were less effective in controlling S. zeamais. In conclusion, clay can be used in the integrated management of S. zeamais to minimize synthetic insecticides. PubDate: 2022-03-17 DOI: 10.20961/carakatani.v37i1.54213 Issue No:Vol. 37, No. 1 (2022)
Authors:Lucia Crysanthy Soedirga, Marchellin Marchellin Pages: 1 - 14 Abstract: Jelly candy is a product with a soft and chewy texture due to a gelling agent such as pectin and carrageenan. Red dragon fruit peel widely uses as natural pectin in various products, one of which is jelly candy. However, the resulting product has a less chewy texture. Thus, combining the natural pectin and carrageenan is expected to improve jelly candy’s physicochemical characteristics. Moreover, in jelly candy products, the combination of carrageenan with red dragon fruit peel pectin have not been applied. The methods in this research consisted of extraction of red dragon fruit peel and jelly candy making. This study uses completely randomized design with two factors: the concentration (3.5%, 4%, 4.5%) and ratio (2:1, 1:1 and 1:2) of red dragon fruit pectin and carrageenan. The jelly candy obtained were observed for its texture, color and moisture content. Hardness, cohesiveness, gumminess and chewiness were analyzed to determine the texture of jelly candy. The result showed a combination of red dragon fruit peel pectin and carrageenan within a ratio of 2:1 at 4.5%, selected as the best ratio and concentration in making jelly candy. The jelly candy had a hardness value of 421.59±7.94 g, cohesiveness 0.39±0.01, gumminess 122.22±2.77, chewiness 117.54±2.61, lightness 32.39±0.16 and moisture content 45.83±2.68%. This study provides new insight into gelling agents used to produce jelly candy and the effect on the physicochemical characteristics of jelly candy product. PubDate: 2021-11-03 DOI: 10.20961/carakatani.v37i1.53798 Issue No:Vol. 37, No. 1 (2021)
Authors:Tensaye Abate, Temesgen Yohannes Pages: 15 - 25 Abstract: Tree growing by smallholders is an emerging livelihood strategy in Basona-Werana Woreda of the North Shoa Zone of Amhara Regional State. The objective of this study was to identify socio-economic determinants of the smallholder tree growing in the study area. Data were collected from the household survey, key informants and focus group discussions. The binary logistic regression model was employed to identify the socio-economic determinants of smallholder tree growing behavior. According to the study, about 55% of tree growers generated their livelihood income from tree planting whereas 72% of non-growers generated income from livestock. Family size of the household and age positively and significantly affected tree planting decisions at P < 0.10 and P < 0.01, respectively. Meanwhile, livestock ownership and distance to the market were negatively and significantly influenced the decision to tree planting at P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, correspondingly. Similarly, total household income positively and significantly (P < 0.01) affected tree planting decisions. This study concluded that the socio-economic circumstances of smallholder farmers must be taken into account in the formulation of initiatives and policies aimed at encouraging smallholders to grow trees in their farming systems to improve livelihood and sustainable agricultural production. PubDate: 2021-11-22 DOI: 10.20961/carakatani.v37i1.54247 Issue No:Vol. 37, No. 1 (2021)
Authors:Ridha Rizki Novanda, Helfi Eka Saputra, Basuki Sigit Priyono, Sriyoto Sriyoto Pages: 26 - 35 Abstract: During the pandemic, inadequate knowledge in e-commerce is one of the obstacles in the e-commerce system. As a result, it is critical to examine the determinants of dairy product marketing using e-commerce during social distancing. This study aims to analyze the factors of SMEs’ dairy product marketing using e-commerce during social distancing. The research was conducted in Bengkulu, with 31 respondents who were members of the milk, meat and eggs association (SUSDAGTEL). The respondent groups were selected purposively to identify the factors using e-commerce. The data analysis was carried out quantitatively, which is determining the influencing factors with partial least square tools. The results of hypothesis testing have shown that external factors and technological factors do not affect the use of e-commerce in marketing SMEs’ dairy products, while both the performance of SMEs and the orientation readiness affect the use of e-commerce in SMEs. The SME performance has a significant effect on the use of e-commerce with a P-value of 0.000. The organizational readiness factor has a significant effect on the use of e-commerce with a P-value of 0.009. SME actors are elevated to the highest level of priority in the strategy's implementation. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a critical role in advancing the use of e-commerce in dairy product marketing. PubDate: 2021-12-14 DOI: 10.20961/carakatani.v37i1.46498 Issue No:Vol. 37, No. 1 (2021)
Authors:Babita Adhikari, Sanil Joshi, Bunty Maskey Pages: 36 - 47 Abstract: Wheatgrass is a plethora of essential phytochemicals considered to exhibit numerous benefits on human health. Therefore, the study of phytochemicals with varying stages of growth is essential. This study aims to determine the optimum harvesting period of wheatgrass based on its phytochemical content. During the growth of wheat seed (WK 1204 variety), the phytochemicals such as chlorophyll, total phenol content, flavonoids and tannins were extracted by 80% acetone and 80% methanol from wheatgrass harvested on days 6, 7, 8, 9 12 and 15, respectively. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, chlorophyll and flavonoid contents significantly (p<0.05) increased and reached the maximum level on day 9. Total phenol content was found to be increasing significantly (p<0.05), while the tannin content was decreasing considerably (p<0.05) on day 15. The optimum harvesting period was found on day 9. The DPPH radical scavenging activity, chlorophyll and flavonoid content significantly (p<0.05) increased and reached the maximum level, i.e., 92.27±1.92%, 6.63±0.053 mg g-1 and 183.64±33.49 mg QE g-1, respectively, on day 9 of cultivation. The total phenol content was found to be increasing significantly (p<0.05) from 291.67±5.69 mg GAE g-1 on day 6 to 446.67±5.77 mg GAE g-1 on day 15, while the tannin content was declining significantly (p<0.05) from 11.74±0.29 mg GAE g-1 on days 6, 7 and so on to 3.36±0.47 mg GAE g-1 on day 15. Therefore, the optimum harvesting period of wheatgrass was found to be day 9 in terms of phytochemical analysis. PubDate: 2021-12-20 DOI: 10.20961/carakatani.v37i1.52076 Issue No:Vol. 37, No. 1 (2021)