THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MAIZE STALKS MULCH ON RUNOFF, EROSION, SEDIMENT ENRICHMENT RATIO (SER), AND THE GROWTH OF CABBAGE AND RED BEANS IN ANDISOLS, CENTRAL JAVA, INDONESIA

Abstract

Mulching technology is not only easy for farmers to use but it can also reduce soil erosion and increase plant growth. This research aimed to observe the effectiveness of maize stalk mulch on runoff, erosion, sediment enrichment ratio (SER), and plant growth. The experiment was carried out on upland farming in Andisols at the beginning of the dry season (April to June 2015). Mulch treatment was undertaken on bench terraces farms with doses of 0, 4, 8, and 12 tons ha-1 on 2 types of plants (cabbage and red beans). Maize mulch application has not significantly reduced runoff and erosion. The mulch dose of 12 tons ha-1 reduced runoff and erosion by 5.1-5.2% and 25.6-26.5% compared to soil without mulch. The spread of maize stalks mulch reduced sediment concentration but increased the nutrient concentration in sediments (SER value). The application of 12 tons ha-1 of maize stalks mulch increased the cabbage fresh weight by 33.5% and the red beans dry weight by 41.4%.