Amelioration and variety selection to increase shallot yield in peatlands

Abstract

Productivity can be achieved by improving fertility and using adaptive varieties. The research aimed to determine the effect of ameliorant types and onion varieties on soil properties and shallot yield in peatlands. The research was carried out on degraded peatland in Kalampangan, Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan from April to September 2017. The experiment was arranged using a factorial randomized block design with four replications. The first factor was the ameliorants type (A1 = 100% manure, A2 = 50% rice husk biochar + 50% manure, A3 = 50% rice husk ash + 50% manure, and A4 = compost formulated from 40% weeds + 40% manure + 20% agricultural lime). The second factor was the shallot variety of Bima and Bauji. Observation variables included available P, exchangeable K, plant growth and yields. Manure was better than others for increasing the availability of P and K. The highest yield of shallot obtained by Bauji variety which applied ameliorant 100% manure. Shallot yields in peatland were more influenced by ameliorant type than varieties so the ameliorant was very important for the success of shallot development in peatland. The Bauji variety is quite adaptive in peatlands, so it can be recommended for larger development.