Effects of decomposition rate of Chromolaena odorata and straw rice in fresh and compost form to the growth and yield of rice

Abstract

The potential of Chromolaena odorata in bringing high Carbon and Nitrogen contents to the soil instead of its existence as shrub in any rice farms should be optimized to support soil fertility as an alternative of inorganic fertilizer. Meanwhile, the straw was usually burned by rain-field farmers which directly impact the air purity. This study was aimed to examine the decomposition rate of C. odorata and rice straw in the fresh and composted form to the growth and yield of rice on latosol rain field at Lamongan, East Java Province. The experiment was split plot randomized design with 6 treatments and 3 repetitions. The treatment consisted of control, C. odorata fresh, C. odorata compost, fresh rice straw, straw compost, and inorganic fertilizer. Obtained data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA); Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) with significant level 0.05 was used for further analysis. The result showed decomposition rate of C, N, and organic matter of soil of organic fertilizers were significantly different with inorganic fertilizer the trend was identical from 2nd until 8th week. The yield of dry weight rice grain, the straw fresh fertilizer can almost level the yield of inorganic fertilizer.