The Importance of Vermicompos in Plant Growth

Oct 13, 2025 by leolavanderia.com.br 58 views

Introduction

Shallots (Allium Ascalonicum L.) are one of the most widely cultivated vegetable commodities in Indonesia, contributing significantly to the country's foreign exchange earnings. Despite their economic importance, shallots are vulnerable to drought due to their short root system, making them susceptible to waterlogged conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to determine the optimal watering intensity to ensure the growth and production of shallots.

The Importance of Vermicompos in Plant Growth

In an effort to enhance plant growth, the use of organic fertilizers such as Vermicompos has been proven effective. Vermicompos, the result of decomposition of organic material by worms, can increase soil fertility by improving its physical properties, such as structure, porosity, permeability, and water-holding capacity. Additionally, the use of vermicompos can help optimize water use efficiency in plant growth processes.

Research Objectives and Methodology

This study aims to evaluate the effect of vermicompost doses and watering intensity on the growth and production of shallots. The research was conducted on the experimental land of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of North Sumatra, at an altitude of 29 meters above sea level, from February to May 2021. A random design group was used, with two treatment factors: Vermicompos dose (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%) and watering intensity (1, 3, and 5 days).

Results and Discussion

The results showed that the administration of vermicompos had a significant effect on all observed growth parameters. The administration of Vermicompos doses of 30% showed the best results, although there were no significant differences with a dose of 20%. On the other hand, the treatment of watering intensity also had a significant effect, particularly on plant height, tuber wet weight, dried weight of tubers, and wet wet weight per plot. The most optimal watering intensity was found to be watering every day (i1). The interaction between the vermicompos dose and watering intensity significantly affected the height of the plant at the age of 4-5 weeks after planting.

Recommendations for Vermicompos Dose and Watering Intensity

Based on the analysis of the production of dried tubers that can be sold, it is recommended to use 20% vermicompos doses and water plants every 5 days. This shows that the combination of vermicompos dose management and proper watering intensity regulation can improve the quality and quantity of shallots, as well as contribute to agricultural sustainability in Indonesia. With this understanding, farmers are expected to apply more efficient and environmentally friendly cultivation techniques to increase onion production.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of vermicompos dose and watering intensity in the growth and production of shallots. The results demonstrate that the administration of vermicompos has a significant effect on all observed growth parameters, and the most optimal watering intensity is found to be watering every day. The interaction between the vermicompos dose and watering intensity significantly affects the height of the plant at the age of 4-5 weeks after planting. Therefore, it is recommended to use 20% vermicompos doses and water plants every 5 days to improve the quality and quantity of shallots, as well as contribute to agricultural sustainability in Indonesia.

Future Research Directions

Future research directions include investigating the effects of vermicompos dose and watering intensity on other vegetable commodities, as well as exploring the potential of vermicompos as a natural fertilizer in improving soil fertility and plant growth. Additionally, further studies are needed to determine the optimal vermicompos dose and watering intensity for different climate conditions and soil types.

Implications for Agricultural Sustainability

The findings of this study have significant implications for agricultural sustainability in Indonesia. By adopting efficient and environmentally friendly cultivation techniques, farmers can improve the quality and quantity of shallots, reduce water consumption, and minimize the use of chemical fertilizers. This can contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural sector, which is essential for ensuring food security and promoting economic development in Indonesia.

Recommendations for Farmers and Agricultural Practitioners

Based on the findings of this study, farmers and agricultural practitioners are recommended to use 20% vermicompos doses and water plants every 5 days to improve the growth and production of shallots. Additionally, they are encouraged to adopt efficient and environmentally friendly cultivation techniques, such as using vermicompos as a natural fertilizer, to reduce water consumption and minimize the use of chemical fertilizers. By doing so, they can contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural sector, which is essential for ensuring food security and promoting economic development in Indonesia.

Q: What is vermicompos and how does it affect plant growth?

A: Vermicompos is a type of organic fertilizer produced by the decomposition of organic material by worms. It can increase soil fertility by improving its physical properties, such as structure, porosity, permeability, and water-holding capacity. The use of vermicompos can help optimize water use efficiency in plant growth processes and improve plant growth.

Q: What are the benefits of using vermicompos in agriculture?

A: The benefits of using vermicompos in agriculture include:

Improved soil fertility and structure
Increased water-holding capacity
Optimized water use efficiency
Reduced need for chemical fertilizers
Improved plant growth and productivity
Enhanced soil biodiversity

Q: What are the optimal vermicompos doses and watering intensities for onion plants?

A: Based on the study, the optimal vermicompos dose is 20% and the optimal watering intensity is every 5 days. However, it is essential to note that the optimal vermicompos dose and watering intensity may vary depending on the specific climate, soil type, and plant variety.

Q: How does the interaction between vermicompos dose and watering intensity affect plant growth?

A: The interaction between vermicompos dose and watering intensity significantly affects the height of the plant at the age of 4-5 weeks after planting. The study found that the combination of 20% vermicompos dose and watering every 5 days resulted in the best plant growth and productivity.

Q: What are the implications of this study for agricultural sustainability in Indonesia?

A: The findings of this study have significant implications for agricultural sustainability in Indonesia. By adopting efficient and environmentally friendly cultivation techniques, farmers can improve the quality and quantity of onion plants, reduce water consumption, and minimize the use of chemical fertilizers. This can contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural sector, which is essential for ensuring food security and promoting economic development in Indonesia.

Q: How can farmers and agricultural practitioners apply the findings of this study in their daily practices?

A: Farmers and agricultural practitioners can apply the findings of this study by using 20% vermicompos doses and watering plants every 5 days. They can also adopt efficient and environmentally friendly cultivation techniques, such as using vermicompos as a natural fertilizer, to reduce water consumption and minimize the use of chemical fertilizers.

Q: What are the future research directions for this study?

A: Future research directions include investigating the effects of vermicompos dose and watering intensity on other vegetable commodities, as well as exploring the potential of vermicompos as a natural fertilizer in improving soil fertility and plant growth. Additionally, further studies are needed to determine the optimal vermicompos dose and watering intensity for different climate conditions and soil types.

Q: How can the findings of this study contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural sector in Indonesia?

A: The findings of this study can contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural sector in Indonesia by promoting the use of efficient and environmentally friendly cultivation techniques, such as using vermicompos as a natural fertilizer. This can help reduce water consumption, minimize the use of chemical fertilizers, and improve the quality and quantity of onion plants, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural sector.