AGRITROPICA : Journal of Agricultural Sciences

Improving Soil Health of Commercial Vegetable Home Gardens through Conservation Agriculture in Cambodia

Channaty Ngang , Pao Srean, David R. Ader , Florent Tivet , Ricky M. Bates — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Tillage systems are components of broad agricultural practices that affect soil properties and soil health. These changes include soil respiration, density, moisture, and pH. Conservation agriculture practices have the potential to improve soil health by reducing tillage. In agricultural production, there can be numerous approaches to achieving consistently high yields annually; however, this study specifically looked at conventional tillage and conservation agriculture systems. This study aimed to determine soil fauna biodiversity and soil health under conservation agriculture (CA) and conventional tillage (CT) management practices of vegetable production in Cambodia. Five CA and five CT plots were selected and included in this study. Fifty soil samples were collected from CA and CT plots for soil fauna measurement, and in-situ tests were made using Biofunctool^© for soil health assessment. The results showed that the abundance of soil fauna and aggregation stability were greater in CA than in CT. Soil fauna biodiversity enhancement may provide better soil health for soil improvement by adapting farming management practices.

Production of Red Chilli (Capsicum annum L.) Hybrid Seed, Curmiyeast Concentrate, and Compost Based on Dairy Farm Waste

Dwi Wahyuni Ganefianti, Endang Sulistyowati, Sigit Sudjatmiko — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This experiment aimed to produce hybrid red chilli seeds, Curmiyeast- concentrate, and Bokashi compost based on a dairy farm. Red chilli G 3 and G 7 were used as parent stocks in preparing UNIB C H73 hybrid. The recommended time for crossing the red chilli was around 06.00- 10.30 in the morning. The ingredients of Curmiyeast- concentrate were rice brand, ground corn, soybean meal, palm oil, mineral mix, salt, and urea. At the same time, Curcuma xanthorrhiza and yeast were 2 and 1%, respectively, in a total of 100%. Curmiyeast- concentrate in this modified formula contained 15.22% crude protein, with the price of Rp. 8,515/kg and MIOFC of Rp. 78,470/head/day or Rp. 9,019/l of milk produced. Bokashi compost contained N, P, K, and C organic and a ratio of C/N (18.9) that fulfilled the standards of SNI 19-7030-2004.

Diversity of Soil Arthropods in Three Elevations of Coffee Plantations, Tebat Pulau Village, Bermani Ulu, Rejang Lebong District

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Coffee is a leading commodity in Bengkulu Province, whose production still needs to be improved. One of the supporting factors for coffee fruit production is the existence of a good soil arthropod ecosystem. Information regarding the diversity of soil arthropods can be considered in evaluating coffee plants' health. This research aims to obtain initial data on the diversity of soil arthropods and their role in central coffee plantations in Tebat Pulau Village, Bermani Ulu District, Rejang Lebong Regency. This research began with taking soil samples from productive coffee plantations. The type of coffee plant sampled was robusta coffee at an altitude of 900, 1000, and 1100 meters above sea level. Next, the soil taken is placed in the bottom funnel. Arthropods obtained from the Berlesse funnel were identified and counted. The results of counting arthropods are used to calculate diversity, dominance, and evenness index numbers. The results show moderate variability in the three types of elevation: low dominance, high evenness. Research also shows that the highest number of arthropods is found at an altitude of 900 m, and the most common type is acarina.

Concentrate Substituted Cassava Top Fermented Cassava Pulp in Altered Levels on Growth Performance in Thai Native X Lowline Angus Crossbred Cattle

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The main objective is to investigate the effect of DCfCaP-substitute concentrate on growth performance and feed efficiency in Thai native x Lowline Angus crossbred cattle. The average initial body weight (IBW) was assigned 97±18.5 kg and 1-year age, 12 females of Thai native x Lowline Angus crossbred cattle. Dietary treatments were designed in a completely randomized design (CRD) to receive three feeding treatments, four replications per treatment with one cow per replicate. The feeding treatments were administered as follows: T1=100% concentrate + 0% DCfCaP (control), T2=67% concentrate + 33% DCfCaP, and T3= 33% concentrate + 67% DCfCaP on dry matter basis (DM). The results indeed showed that the initial body weight (IBW) and final body weight (FBW) were non-significantly different (P>0.05). The average daily gain (ADG) in T1 and T2 was 0.53 kg/day and 0.48 kg/day, and representative superscripts were in the same row, but there were differences in T3 was 0.05 kg/day (P<0.001). T1 used feed intake higher than T2 and T3 (P=0.003). So far, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) in groups T1 and T2 were non-different except T3 (P<0.001). In conclusion, DCfCaP could substitute concentrate up to 33% in the diet without being effective in Thai native x Lowline Angus crossbred cattle. Therefore, DCfCaP is recommended because it is an alternative source of animal feed and could contribute to controlling environmental contamination. So DCfCaP is recommended to supply to cattle.

Satisfaction and Loyalty of Consumers of Dried Mackerel (Scomberomorus commersoni) In Bengkulu City

Lestari Pakpahan, Indra Cahyadinata, Irnad — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Dried mackerel fish is a type of processed mackerel fish. Even though mackerel is in dry form, many people consume it. To analyze the level of consumer satisfaction and consumer loyalty and analyze the factors that influence the level of satisfaction and loyalty of dried mackerel in the city of Bengkulu. CSI (Customer Satisfaction Index) analysis tool to analyze satisfaction levels, Loyalty Pyramid to analyze Loyalty levels and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to analyze the influence between variables. The results of the CSI calculation are 79.59%. Consumer loyalty for dried mackerel in Bengkulu City, with the highest score, lies in the Liking the Product category, with a value of 143%. These results indicate the level of consumer satisfaction for dried mackerel in Bengkulu City is included in the satisfaction criteria with CSI values between 66% -80.99%. Loyalty levels produce an inverted pyramid shape. In the simultaneous test, the direct effect of the product quality, price and place variables significantly affect satisfaction. Still, the service quality variable does not affect satisfaction. In the simultaneous test, the direct effect of product and service quality variables significantly affects customer loyalty. In contrast, the price and place variables do not significantly affect customer loyalty. The results of the analysis of the indirect effect showed that the service quality variable has no significant effect on loyalty through satisfaction, and product quality, price and place variables have a significant effect on consumer loyalty Dried Mackerel through satisfaction. Dried Mackerel traders can maintain the taste of dried Mackerel through salting and drying processes using the PEHI LING drying concept (Practical Economical and Hygienic with an Environmental Insight).

Tikus Island's Edu Maritime Tourism (Marine Edu Park) Infrastructure Development Strategy

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This Study aims to analyse developing a strategy for developing the tourist infrastructure on Tikus Island. Information accessibility was determined to be the priority strategy that was urgently required based on the findings of the analysis performed using AHP. This strategy aims to enhance travellers' overall travel experiences by encouraging them to make educated decisions. Information on marine tourism is essential, especially on a small island like Tikus Island. Second, the accessibility and condition of public restrooms for tourists. Third, the significance of having appropriate transit vessels to accommodate maritime visitors. Fourth, the strategy concentrates on offering suitable lodging choices and amenities for maritime tourists Fifth, it stresses the accessibility of dining establishments geared toward marine tourists. Sixth, it focuses on giving visitors access to sufficient parking. It seeks to address guests' parking requirements when they arrive in private vehicles by providing easy-to-access parking places close to popular tourist attractions. Seventh, highlights the value of having efficient management processes to deal with potential risks and emergencies. Supporting variables were found to have a tourism infrastructure development strategy on Tikus Island. This research explains a lot about the new types of infrastructure that can be applied in the region. The recommendations given have long-term development goals and strategic innovations. The results of this study are beneficial as a reference for sustainable regional development that focuses on increasing the income of coastal communities. Utilization of Tikus Island natural resources with good facilities.

Quality Characteristics of Robusta Coffee (Coffea Canephora) from Tebat Pulau village Rejang Lebong Regency with the Variation of Roasting Time

Arthia Isah Hartanti Lumbanraja, Budiyanto Budiyanto, Yuwana Yuwana — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Tebat Pulau Village is a formerly protected forest area that has become a community social forest processed and planted with robusta coffee. Robusta coffee from the Tebat Pulau Village Farmers Group is of good quality because it is in great demand and attracts the attention of large buyers. However, the quality profile, the roasted coffee criteria, and the preferred quality of the brewed coffee are not yet known. Therefore, this research was conducted to determine the quality profile of rice coffee, the physical and chemical characteristics of ground coffee and the brewing quality of robusta coffee during roasting time. The experimental design used was Completely Randomized Design with one factor. The factor tested was roasting time (P), which consisted of 4 treatment levels, namely P1:10 minutes, P 2:11 minutes, P3:12 minutes, P4:13 minutes with roaster temperature 200°C and bean temperature 107°C. The research was carried out with three repetitions to produce 12 experimental units. The results showed that the coffee from the Tebat Pulau Village Farmer Group had quite large coffee beans with a water content value of 9.00%, had quite a lot of lanang (peaberry bean) coffee beans, and had a total defect value of 13.83. Ground coffee samples with a long roasting time significantly affected water content, color, ash content, coffee essence, and caffeine content. The best-brewed coffee quality was obtained at 12 minutes of roasting time with a final score of 8.50, included in the "fine" category.