Aims: The purpose of this study was to obtain the best interaction between guano doses and mulch on the growth and yield of potato plants. Study Design: The experimental design used was factorial 2 factors in a completely randomized design (CRD). Place and Duration of Study: This experiment was carried out in Alahan Panjang, Lembah Gumanti District, Solok Regency, West Sumatra from March to June 2018. Methodology: Factorial design 2 factors was use in research. The first factor consisted of 4 levels of guano fertilizer doses of 0, 3, 6 and 9 t ha-1. The second factor consisted of black silver plastic mulch and black plastic mulch. Data were analyzed statistically with the Fisher test and if significantly different then continued with the Duncan’s New Multiple Range test (p≤0.05) Results: No interaction between guano fertilizer and the two types of mulch tested with respect to plant height, number of leaves, and smallest tuber diameter were observed. Guano fertilizer at 9 t ha-1 gave the best influence on the number of tubers and the diameter of tuber. Black plastic mulch had the best influence on the number of tubers, the diameter of tuber, the weight of tubers per plant and the weight of tubers per hectare. Conclusion: The dosage of guano fertilizer of 9 t ha-1gave the best effect on the number and diameter of tubers. The type of black plastic mulch gave the best effect on tuber number, tuber diameter, tuber weight per plant and tuber weight per hectare.

This research aimed to analyze the profitability, competitiveness and the effect of government policy on laying hen business in West Pasaman Regency. Survey was done on 10layer chicken breeders in West Pasaman regency. Policy Analysis Matrix (PAM) was employed in this survey finding that the laying hens business done was profitable based on the private and social profit. The laying hens farming business’ competitiveness can be seen based on its competitive and comparative excellence. Furthermore, the policy established by the government caused the farmer to spend more money of tradable input on private price than the social price, while the output price on local market was higher making it surplus for the farmer. Thus, the policy established gave negative effect on the tradable input, but positive effect on the output. However, the business of laying hens farming in West Pasaman Regency can be developed through some ways regarding the government policy. First, the government shall give better incentive and provide infrastructure, so that the farmer can increase the production and business scale.