Improvement of Ultisol soil fertility under pineapple plantation using banana Cavendish rotation in Central Lampung, Indonesia

Abstract

The rotational planting was applied as the result of decreasing the number of pineapple production. The decreased pineapple production is influenced by soil fertility measured from the chemical, physical, and biological aspects. This research was conducted to comprehend the potential of rotational planting. This research was conducted by taking samples from three different locations: PC pineapple (the first plant), RC Pineapple (Ratoon Plant), and bananas after harvest. Samples were taken at a depth of 0-20 cm and 20-40 cm. The research was conducted from November 2015 until February 2016 at Central Lampung. This research found that rotating the planting between the pineapple and the banana can improve soil fertility. After harvest, bananas' location has soil pH, total nitrogen, C-organic, phosphorus available, and potassium available is higher if compared to PC pineapple and RC Pineapple location. This was based on the fact that the soil of the harvestable banana (4.74) has better pH compared to the two locations, PC pineapple (4.54) and RC pineapple (4.09). This resulted from a larger amount of dolomite given to the harvestable banana's soil than those from the PCs and the RC's. Its pH can also influence its OH- and other nutrients within the soil. From the explanation above, it can be concluded that the soil of harvestable banana (ex-banana) has a better quality to increase the production of pineapples.