Utilization of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A.Gray compost and mycorrhiza on cultivation of Allium ascalonicum L. grown on post-mine sandpits soil

Abstract

Post-mine sandpits C soil has a potential to be used for vegetable cultivation, nevertheless needs improvement on its physical, chemical, and biological properties through the input of microbial application technology and organic matter. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Fungi (AMF) and compost (bokashi) of Tithonia diversifolia in improving soil physical properties and yield of Allium ascalonicum. The study used a two-factor Randomized Block Design. The first factor was AMF provision (control 0 g plant-1, 4 g plant-1, 6 g plant-1, 8 g plant-1, and 10 g plant-1). The second factor was bokashi of T. diversifolia (control 0 t ha-1, 3 t ha-1, 6 t ha-1, and 9 t ha-1). The results showed that the application of AMF together with bokashi generated soil porosity and permeability that were suitable for the growth of shallot bulbs. The application of bokashi 9 t ha-1 increased bulbs diameter and bulbs fresh mass, although still below its potential due to unfavorable environmental factors. Thus, the successful application of AMF and organic materials need to pay attention on environmental factors in order to produce maximum effect.

Keywords

• compost (bokashi), shallot, T. diversifolia