Analysis on rhizome shrinkage of two expected kencur (Kaempferia galanga) accessions from east java using MgSO4 fertilizer under shading

Abstract

Kencur (Kaempferia galanga L.) is one of the plants that mainly can be used as the main ingredient in medicine, food, drinks, and spices with benefits. Environmental conditions are a supporting factor for cultivating kencur. Nutrient needs are important factors for plant cultivation. A good environment is an environment that fulfills macro and micronutrients. It is also an important thing in kencur cultivating plants. We should know in which condition the plant can show the best result so the kencur plant is tested under shade. One of the macro nutrients needed by plants are sulfur (S) and magnesium (Mg). The purpose of this research is to determine if there is an interaction between accessions and Sulfur (MgSO4) at two different shades levels. The design used in this study was a Split Plot Design with the main plot: kencur plant with Blitar and Banyuwangi accessions, sub plots: MgSO4 fertilizer with dose of 0, 60, 90 and 120 kg ha-1, land under shade. The shrinkage of the rhizomes that occurred with a dose of sulfur fertilizer ranged from 13% to 19% and without a dose of sulfur fertilizer decreased 34% with results showing that the treatment with a dose of 90 kg ha-1 of sulfur fertilizer resulted in lower shrinkage.