Growth and yield of shallot using KCl fertilizer at peatlands in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract

In order to develop horticultural commodities, especially for shallots (Allium ascalonicum L), Central Kalimantan province attempts to develop the areas as new agricultural centers on sub-optimal lands. Peatlands have been recognized as potential land for agriculture and shallot development has been carried out since 2013. For shallot, KCl fertilizer plays role in facilitating photosynthesis process, growth plant at the starting level, strengthen the stem and reduce yield decay. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of addition of KCL fertilizer on growth and productivity of shallots (Allium ascalonicum L) in peatlands. This study was conducted in Palangka Raya starting from August 2019 to December 2019. Statistical approach used randomized block design (RBD) with 5 treatments and 4 replications. The treatments given involved without fertilization K0 = 0 kg/ha, K1 = 50 kg/ha, K2 = 100 kg/ha, K3 = 150 kg/ha, K4 = 200 kg/ha. Several parameters observed included plant height, number of leaves, number of tillers, weight of wet biomass, dry biomass and bulb weight. The results showed that the application with addition of KCl with dosage of 150 kg/ha showed a higher yield and it was significantly different from other KCl dosage treatments.