Canadian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences PEARL publication, 2016 CJBAS Vol. 04, 01-10, December 2016 ISSN 2292-3381 Analysis of Soil Nutrient Status Changes on Andisol as a Dominant Order Soil in Indonesia Tea Planting Area Restu Wulansari, Eko Pranoto Soil Researcher, Research Institute for Tea and Cinchona (RITC) Gambung, Bandung, Indonesia Keywords: Andisol, Change Soil Nutrient Status, Tea Planting Area, Indonesia Abstract Generally, tea plant in Indonesia cultivated in orders Andisols, Inceptisols, Ultisols and Entisols which have different soil nutrient status. Andisol is the most suitable soil and dominant order in Indonesia for tea planting. This study used the soil analysis data of Andisol that located in West Java tea plantation at the same areas in 2010 and 2012 contained in the districts of Bandung, Bogor, Sukabumi, Garut and Cianjur with a total area of 14524.19 ha with a total sample of 196 sample. Based on the analysis, nutrient status changes in Andisol, ie: change nutrient status of C-organic in 2010 was dominated high status of 82.20% and 2012 decreased became of 57.63%; change nutrient status of N-Total in 2010 was dominated high status of 57.63% and 2012 still dominated the high status of 58.47%; change nutrient status of P-available in 2010 dominated by low status of 26,27% and 2012 have been decreased of 55% for the low status became of 11.86%; change nutrient status of K-exchangeable (K-exc) in 2010 was dominated medium status of 31.36% and 2012 decreased of 41% still dominated the medium status became of 18.64%; and change nutrient status of Mg-exchangeable (Mg-exc) in 2010 was dominated the low status of 36.44% and 2012 decreased became of 20.34%. Based on a comparison of the soil analysis on the last two years obtained that showed dominance the average soil nutrient status was decreased on all Andisol of tea plantations in West Java. Changes in soil nutrient status provides an overview of tea plantation at this time and showed dominancy decrease in all Andisol nutrient status on tea plantations in West Java. If this condition is not immediately being overcome, it can cause degradation of nutrients which affect its decrease for soil productivity and crop productivity. 1. Introduction Soil is a major factor in the activity of planting which should be good land management and sustainable by providing essential nutrients at the time and the proper amount. Soil fertility varies in accordance with the order soil (fertility potential) and the levels of nutrients available in the soil (actual fertility). Tea plants in Indonesia are best grown on mineral soils in accordance with the requirements of climate i.e: Andisols, Inceptisol, Entisol and Ultisol. Andisol was the suitable order soil for tea planting, whereas soil Inceptisol, Entisol and Ultisol were conditional suitable soil. Corresponding Author : E-mail, restuwulan_sari@yahoo.com Tel, (+62) 0225928186
Differences between the two sub-orders are on soil have a conditional suitable has a sub soil blocky soil structure, while the suitable soil, has a sub soil crumb or granular soil structure. Andisols is a dominant soil planted by tea plant, is widely available on the highland, mountains and in hilly areas with high rainfall and high organic matter content. High organic matter content is needed to plant tea, because tea plant always maintained vegetative stage and high production. Andisols is a dark black soil, very porous, organic matter and clay amorphous, especially allophane and a little silica and alumina or iron hydroxide [1]. Generally, Andisols has rich allophane characterized by a top layer of crumb, there is a surface layer consisting of humic compounds that are resistant to decomposition of microorganisms, and tend to have a high P retention [2]. Moreover, morphological characteristics has Andisols crumb structure has more than 40 cm with a crumbly consistency, ph 4.5 to 6.0 containing organic matter 2%-8%, has a very high water holding capacity, high macropore many causes very high permeability, includes the orders I suitable for tea plants [3]. Andisols is a soil containing organic matter is high enough so that the soil is enough good in the supply of nitrogen to plants. Andisols have a low P availability due to fixation of P [4]. Andisols which contains aluminum and content of allophane (amorphous) is very high causing P fertilizer that is available becomes unavailable due to turn into form of Al-P. One of the causes of the decrease in tea production was soil degradation due to soil conditions are are less supportive [5]. The tea plant is included in the annual plant that grows in a long time, plant growth will take up nutrients from the soil continuously, resulting in reduced availability of nutrients in soil. Soil nutrient analysis can determine changes in soil nutrient status Andisol that occurred in 2010 and 2012. Analysis of changes in soil nutrient status Andisol able to know the actual fertility in the garden and grounds in determining the dose of fertilizer plants proper tea. 2. Material and Methods This study used the soil analysis data of Andisol that located in West Java tea plantation at the same areas in 2010 and 2012 contained in the districts of Bandung, Bogor, Sukabumi, Garut and Cianjur with a total area of 14524.19 ha with a total sample of 196 sample. This study used a exploration method by comparing the the soil analysis. The sample was analyzed at the Laboratory of the Research Institute for Tea and Cinchona with nutrients analyzed were C-org (Kurmis Method), N-total (Kjedahl Method), P-available (Bray Method), K-exchangeable (K-exc) (AAS) and Mgexchangeable (Mg-exc) (AAS). Soil nutrient analysis results are categorized into five nutrient status i.e very low, low, medium, high and very high [6]. Soil nutrient standards can be seen in Table 1. 2
Table 1. Soil nutrient standards Type of Nutrieny Very Low Low Medium High Very High C-organik (%) < 1.0 1.0-3.0 3.0-5.0 5.0-8.0 > 8.0 N-total (%) < 0.1 0.1-0.3 0.3-0.5 0.5-0.8 > 0.8 P 2 O 5 (ppm) < 4.0 4-9 9-22 22-40 > 40 K (m.e/100g) < 0.3 0.3-0.5 0.5-1.0 1.0-1.5 > 1.5 Mg (m.e/100g) < 0.5 0.5-1.0 1.0-1.5 1.5-2.0 > 2.0 Source: [7] 3. Results and Discussion 3.1. C-organic Organic material in the tea planting area has many changes since it was first planted, considering the important role of organic material then this needs to get attention. Good organic matter that has decomposed in the form of humus or mulch is still a very important role in improving the efficiency of fertilization. Decomposition of soil organic matter occurs when water moisture and soil temperature change as a result of exposure to rain and sun to the ground. Will be released from the decomposition of the nutrients needed for the plant. Nutrients released from the decomposition are not many and are not enough to generate corresponding production planned targets, but the nutrient content sufficiently complete. Figure 1. Percentage Soil Nutrient Status of C-organic On Andisol 2010-2012 C-organic nutrient status showed the ability of soil to provide organic material needed for plant. C-organic nutrient status have lower levels of organic matter in the soil is low, the status of C-organic nutrients are showing levels of organic matter in soil nutrient status medium while high organic C show high organic matter in soil. Based on Figure 1, it can be seen that changes in nutrient status in soil organic C Andisol in 2010 showed a high by 82.20%, 13.56% medium and 4.24% low, in 2012 decreased by 30% to 57.63% high level status, 33.90% medium and 8.47% low level. Changes in nutrient status on C-organic for 2 years has decreased, but still within the normal range. The highest decreased of C-organic in Andisol was in Garut is 36,15% [7]. Based on study organic matter in the 3
soil contribute to improve the soil cation exchange capacity, because organic particles are negatively charged and has a very substantial surface area. Organic material containing carbon and nitrogen in a number of very varied, and the balance of these elements are very important in maintaining or improving soil fertility. The ratio of carbon - nitrogen should always be maintained at all times, because the ratio of these two elements is one key to soil fertility assessment. Because the C/N ratio of each Order of the soil is relatively constant, then to maintain soil organic matter content is highly dependent on the level of Nitrogen [8]. The best organic material is derived from similar plants such as tea prunings litter that is returned to the area of the tea plant, then in addition to the composition of the complete nutrient composition is also good, so suitable for use in the tea plantations. Prunings mulch material will be retained in the tea plantations after cut could increase fertilizer efficiency by increasing the production of shoots by 11% [6]. Prunings mulch application of weighing 60 tons/ha proved to also be able to increase the absorption efficiency of fertilizer N by 9.2%. 3.2.N-Total Nitrogen is the major nutrient for plants tea because the tea plant leaf bud is taken, so that the nitrogen requirement enough substantial. In a plant, nitrogen functions as an important constituent of chlorophyll, protoplasm, protein, improve growth and development of all tissues [9]. According [10] nitrogen arrange about 40% - 50% of the dry weight of the material living protoplasm or plant cells. Therefore, nitrogen is needed in larger amounts than the other compounds for plants. In addition, of N function in stimulating growth and is a major part of living matter, are proteins and nucleic acids [11]. Figure 2. Percentage Soil Nutrient Status of N-Total On Andisol 2010-2012 Nitrogen (N) soil nutrient status showed the actual fertility of the soil and show the ability of soil to provide N nutrients for plant. Medium status of soil nutrient has N soil medium levels (0.31 to 4
0.50%). Status of N Low levels of N in the soil show low (0.11 to 0.30%) while the N nutrient status of the soil is very high show of N available in the soil is very high (> 0.81%). Based on Figure 2, in 2010 the N soil nutrient status of low by 5.08%, 21.19% medium, and dominant by 57.63% high status, while compared to the year 2012, the status of N soil has decreased by 67% in the low status became 1,69%, and increased 8% at 22.88% medium status and 1% increase in the high status became 58.47%. Overall N soil nutrient status are total Andisol in the range normal and do not show symptoms of nutrient N soil. Based on study that the highest decreased of total N in Andisol was in Sukabumi is 19,70% [7]. Nitrogen derived from the soil as a result of the mineralization process cannot sustain optimal plant growth, necessitating the addition of nutrients from fertilizer. Plant responses to fertilizer N will depend on the condition of the soil, the climate, and also the availability of N and other nutrients. In addition, the use of PGPR (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria) is reported to increase nitrogen fixation, and is able to provide other nutrients such as phosphorus, iron, can be as insect pest control [12]. N fertilizers like the urea is soluble fertilizer and the soil has a high mobility so at sloping land and the soil is very easily lost porous leached or carried by runoff water, especially during high rainfall. Loss of fertilizer can be prevented with proper fertilizer application is the provision of placement fertilizer in the active root zone of plants and organic matter. To get the response better N fertilizer application can be the addition of an adequate supply of fertilizer P and K [13]. Organic materials that prunings existing around the plantation, especially litter is the cheapest materials and easily obtained that so as to maintain prunings litter is very useful to help improve the absorption of fertilizers. However, the prunings litter should be composted first. 3.3.P-availabke Phosphorus is a second nutrient needed for tea plant. This nutrient functions as a constituent phosphatide, certain amino acids, growth meristem, to stimulate root growth, seed and fruit development, and stimulate flowering [14]. Forms of phosphate availability is greatly affected by soil ph. On acid soils classified as the tea plant has fixation (binding) phosphate is very high, so the fertilizer is given can not be directly available to the plants. P can be absorbed by plants when the soil is already saturated, as the result of research that an increase in production can be achieved up to 25% depending on the dose and not the application of phosphate fertilizer phosphate doses per year [15]. 5
Figure 3. Percentage Soil Nutrient Status of P-avalaible On Andisol 2010-2012 P soil nutrient status showed the actual fertility of the soil and show the ability of soil to provide nutrients P for plants. In Figure 3, P nutrient status of the soil show the low 26.27%, 25.42% and 5.93% medium high. When compared to the year 2012, all decreased, ie by 55% to a low of 1.69%, decreased 87% to 3.39% medium and 57% decrease in the high 2.54%. Changes in soil nutrient status P Andisol within a period of 2 years has decreased. The highest decreased of P-available in Andisol was in Garut is 98,48% [7]. On the ground Andisol have aluminum content and the content of allophane (amorphous her) is very high that will fix / bind P. Fixation P causes the P fertilizer is in the form available to be absorbed plant becomes unavailable due to form Al-P. Tea plants like acid soil with a ph of 4.2 to 5.6, while the P element that is available and easily absorbed at a ph of about 6. At low ph, the mobile of P-influenced elements Al, which functions in plant growth activity of tea [1]. Based on research [16], in the process of this fixation, P ions adsorbed by amorphous Al hydroxide is between layers of alumina silicate or mineral osilikat due to exchange with hydroxide groups on the surface of the clay. P total estimated high can causes the high growth potential of tea shoots. In order to reduce P fixation by Al role of organic matter is very important. Organic material can be provided around the tree together with P fertilizer because fertilizer P is not mobile that is not easily lost/ leached in soil. The effectiveness of fertilizer absorption can be enhanced by application of P fertilizer around active root area of plants. Organic material derived from prunings litter will help reduce the fixation of P by Al for P fixation by organic materials will be readily available back to the plant than P are fixed by Al. In addition, the use of microbial / bacterial phosphate solvent can also be applied. According [14], one of the efforts to overcome the fixation of P by Al is the application of organic material around the tree given at the same time with P fertilizer (given around active root zone of 6
plants). Organic material in the tea garden is returned to the soil in the form of litter shade trees, prunings, tea shrubs and weeds [3]. 3.4.K-exchangeable (K-exc) Potassium is the third element that plants need to function as activators of enzymes, can enhance disease resistance. The direct result of potassium deficiency is trunked weak and collapsed [14]. Potassium fertilizer application does not directly raise output, because the function of potassium ion as a carrier of N into the plant and transporting photosynthate from the leaves throughout the plant, application of potassium is required is proportional to N application [17]. Figure 4. Percentage Soil Nutrient Status of K-exchengeable (K-exc) On Andisol 2010-2012 Potassium nutrient status of the soil showed the ability of soil to provide nutrients K for plants. Potassium nutrient status of the soil Andisol in 2010 showed a low 5.08%, 31.36% and 25.42% were high, when compared to the year 2012, changes in soil nutrient status has decreased 41% in the medium K status by 18.64% and decrease 60% at high became 10.17%. Fluctuations in K soil nutrient status for 2 years showed a decrease trend. The highest decreased of K-exc in Andisol was in Cianjur is 76,58% [7]. Potassium fertilization can increase the production of tea by N fertilization if the soil ph of 4.9 or less [1]. According [19] suggests it is important to balance these nutrients K and Mg because Mg nutrient is the core of chlorophyll which of the active substance where photosynthesis in the leaves. Giving excessive nitrogen will inhibit the absorption of potassium by the plants, while giving too much potassium will reduce the production [15]. Potassium fertilizers included in the volatile fertilizer leached or carried by runoff water (runoff), especially on sloping areas during heavy rainfall, resulting in absorption of K by plants from the fertilizer very low to low. To improve absorption of K by plants needs proper fertilizer application 7
and prevent loss by giving or maintaining the organic matter that has been composted litter prunings first. 3.5.Mg-exchangeable (Mg-exc) Magnesium function as a key element in the formation of chlorophyll photosynthesis without these elements will not happen means also reduced the formation of shoots. Mg physiological role is such an important part of the key organelles in the synthesis of proteins. Mg which is the center of the molecular structure of plant dyes such as chlorophyll acts as an activator (the catalyst) several enzymes, especially in the metabolism of carbohydrates, phosphate transfer and decarbonatase [20]. Figure 5. Percentage Soil Nutrient Status of Mg-exchengeable (Mg-exc) On Andisol 2010-2012 Mg nutrient status of the soil shows the actual fertility of the soil and demonstrated the ability of soil to provide nutrients for plants Mg. Nutrient status of the soil Mg levels were medium. High soil nutrient status Mg showed high levels of Mg in the soil, whereas low soil nutrient status Mg Mg shows the nutrients available in the soil is low. In Figure 5, Mg soil nutrient status in 2010 showed low status dominant 36.44%, 14.41% medium, and 0.85% high status, in 2012 a decrease of 44% in the low Mg status of 20.34%, a decrease 82 % status is being 2.54% and 1.69% higher status. Changes in soil nutrient status that occurred during the two years of decrease and is dominated by low Mg nutrient status. The highest decreased of Mg-exc in Andisol was in Sukabumi is 61,90% [7]. According [21] Mg deficiency symptoms are not always clear due to the low content of Mg in the soil, but can also be caused by excess K in the soil. Mg deficiency can also be caused by excess Mn in acidic volcanic soils [21]. However, should be noted, if the higher N fertilization, may result in lower levels of magnesium in the leaves [14]. The addition Mg fertilizer (Kieserit) is a soluble fertilizer so easily lost Mg fertilizer leached or carried by water runoff, especially on sloping land when rainfall is high. 8
4. Conclusion Restu Wulansari et al. - Can. J. Basic Appl. Sci. Vol. 04, 01-10, December 2016 Order soil for tea plants in Indonesia consists of 4 orders i.e: Andisols, Inceptisols, Ultisols and Entisols with different soil fertility. Andisol was the most suitable order soil dan dominant for tea planting. Andisols has high organic matter and high N soil nutrients, based on the analysis of changes nutrient status in Andisol, ie: change nutrient status of C-organic in 2010 was dominated high status of 82.20% and 2012 decreased became of 57.63%; change nutrient status of N-Total in 2010 was dominated high status of 57.63% and 2012 still dominated the high status of 58.47%; change nutrient status of P-available in 2010 dominated by low status of 26,27% and 2012 have been decreased of 55% for the low status became of 11.86%; change nutrient status of K-exchangeable (K-exc) in 2010 was dominated medium status of 31.36% and 2012 decreased of 41% still dominated the medium status became of 18.64%; and change nutrient status of Mg-exchangeable (Mg-exc) in 2010 was dominated the low status of 36.44% and 2012 decreased became of 20.34%. However, for P and Mg soil nutrient has a dominant low nutrient status because Andisol has high P fixation and the availability of low soil Mg. Based on a comparison of the soil analysis on the last two years obtained that showed dominance the average soil nutrient status was decreased on all Andisol of tea plantations in West Java. Changes in soil nutrient status provides an overview of tea plantation at this time and showed dominancy decrease in all Andisol nutrient status on tea plantations in West Java. Organic matter and right fertilization is to be done an effort to maintain soil productivity and crop productivity. As such, it will provide a change improvement of soil nutrient status in the tea plantation in West Java, Indonesia. Acknowledgment The author would like to thank the Board of Directors of PTPN VIII (Persero) and Research Institue foe Tea and Cinchona (RITC) Management Gambung who have provided information and data required. References [1] Darmawidjaya I.: Soil Classification (Basic Theory for Researchers and Implementing Agricultural Land in Indonesia), Gadjah Mada University Press, Yogyakarta (1990). [2] Hardjowigeno S.: Klasifikasi dan Pedogenesis Tanah. Akademia Pressindo, Jakarta, (1993). [3] DARMAWIJAYA M. I., Soegiman P. P. I.: Klasifikasi keserasian tanah bagi tanaman teh di Indonesia, Universitas Gadjah Mada (1982). [4] Salim A. A.: Pengaruh pengolahan tanah dan takaran pupuk organik terhadap beberapa sifat kimia tanah, serapan N daun, dan hasil tanaman teh (Camellia Sinensis (L) O. Kuntze) pada Andisol. Jurnal Penelitian Teh Dan Kina Vol, 9, 1-7 (2006). 9
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