Effect of organic compost source and application time on growth and yield of beetroot (Beta vulgaris l.) in dry land of jatikerto, indonesia

Abstract

Background and Objective: The low content of organic matter leads to low carrying capacity for agricultural activities. Therefore, the application of organic matter in the form of compost is needed. This study aimed to obtain accurate information about the source and timing of compost application on dry land in Jatikerto, Indonesia. Materials and Methods: Beetroot seeds, a source of organic matter in the form of compost: goat manure, Azolla, urban waste and N, P, K fertilizers. The study used a split-plot design, repeated three times. Sources of compost (goat manure, Azolla and urban waste) are placed in the main plot, while the application time of organic matter (two months before planting, one month before planting and at planting time) are placed in sub-plots. F test level of 5% to determine the effect of treatment, while the levels of 5% HSD test to determine differences among treatments. Results: Urban waste compost application with the application time 2 months before planting, can improve the physical, chemical and biological soil early and be able to produce the tuber yield of 2.62 t haG1 (46.45%) and 2.60 t haG1 (45.94%) higher than the other treatment combinations. Conclusion: In general, the application time of urban waste compost 2 months before planting has a positive effect on improving the physical properties of the soil and yield of beetroot in the dry land.