Application of Controlled Release Fertilizer (CRF) in Supporting the Growth and Productivity of SS Sakato Shallot

Abstract

The development of controlled release fertilizer (CRF) is carried out to support the productivity of shallot by controlling the released of nutrient. CRF is a complete fertilizer contains of macro, micro, and trace element needed for the shallot. Nitrogen, Phosphate, and Potassium are the main component of the fertilizer, while others nutrient used are Sulphur, Magnesium, and Calcium. Some trace element are also used in helping the shallot to attain its optimum productivity. CRF is also developed based on the availability of nutrients in the soil. In this research, CRF is also coated by using humic acid to improve the characteristic and properties of the fertilizer. The performance of CRF is studied by doing the efficacy test to the SS Sakato shallot on an area of 2100 m 2 , located in Kuningan, West Java. 2 formulas of CRF were used with one or two times fertilizer application, and 3 varieties of fertilizer dosage. The effect of these variables on plant height, number of bulbs as well as shallot yield, were then observed. Statistical analysis was also carried out using correlation methods to study the interactions between variables. Statistical analysis was also carried out using correlation methods to study the interactions between variables. The highest shallot yield was achieved with a two-time fertilizer application of CRF1 at a dose of 800 kg/ha. Treatments with CRF1, CRF2, and NPK fertilizer substantially raised shallot yield when compared to nonfertilization treatment. According to the correlation plot of all fertilizer types, in which frequency of fertilization or application time (AT) and dosage (D) are inputs, indicated that the fertilizer dosage was moderately related to plant height and the number of shallot bulbs as confirmed by its correlation coefficient.