The Effectiveness of Rice Straw Based Compost on Potato Production as a Basis of Organic Farming System in North Sulawesi Indonesia

Abstract

An experiment to observe the influence of compost by ricestraw in potato production has been conducted in North Sulawesi from April to October 2015. Therefore this research was conducted with the objectives: (1) to find out the effects of rice straw-based compost compared to manure on potato production; and (2) to ensure the use of compost without inorganic fertilizer in the potato-based farming system as a basis of organic farming system in the production center of potato in Western Indonesia. The treatments were designed into CRBD proceeded to the Least Significant Difference Test (LSD test). Six treatments were applied, A=Compost 20 t.ha-1 plus inorganic fertilizer; B= Manure 20 t.ha-1 plus inorganic fertilizer; C= Compost 20 t.ha-1 without inorganic fertilizer; D= Compost 12 t.ha-1 plus inorganic fertilizer E= Compost 12 t.ha-1 without inorganic fertilizer and F= Manure 5 t.ha-1 plus inorganic fertilizer. Parameters tested show that the treatments of compost have advantages compared with the manure treatment. This related to the nutrients composition of straw rich especially potassium. Treatment A (Compost 20 t.ha-1 + inorganic fertilizers) is not significantly different from treatment C compost 20 t.ha-1 without inorganic fertilizers) in almost parameters except tuber weight of Grade #1 (industry purposes), describing the potency of the organic agricultural system of potato by using compost rice straw based. However, the organic agricultural system economically could be applied by the farmer as well as ease to get the materials. It also provides sustainable agricultural practices in the production center of a potato.