Effects of cogongrass (Imperata Cilyndirica L) root extract on Earthworms, arbuscular mycorrhiza spore, And Growth of Upland Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) for Local Kambowa Variety
Laode Muhammad Harjoni Kilowasid, La Ode Junum Hasmar, La Ode Afa, Gusti Ayu Kade Sutariati, Namriah, dan Tresjia Corina Rakian

Agrotechnology Study Program, Agriculture Faculty, University of Halu Oleo


Abstract

Earthworms have the ability to create new conditions in the soil environment and modulate the growth of beneficial soil microbial populations. Imperata releases exudate which creates less suitable soil conditions for growing food crops and horticulture. This study aims to: (i) study the effect of the concentration of cogongrass root extract on the abundance of earthworms and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi spores- (ii) to determine the effect of the soil-extract mixture engineered using earthworms on the upland rice growth for local Kambowa variety. The first experiment, extracts of cogongrass roots were made into five concentration levels, namely 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%. Each concentration was mixed with soil from cogongrass land in a different vermireactor. In reactor, earthworms were released that had emptied their stomach contents, and were allowed to manipulate the mixture until the vemicast covered part of the soil surface. As a result, the total earthworms in all reactors were relatively the same, and the total spores of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the soil treated with a concentration of 60% was the most. The second experiment, the upland rice seedlings were grown on engineered soils. The differences in height, number and area of leaves, number of tillers, wet weight, dry weight, panicle length, and total grain per panicle were significantly, except for the percentage of filled grain. In conclusion, earthworms as potential ecosystem engineers are utilized in ecological engineering of soil quality in land dominated by reeds vegetation for the development of upland rice cultivation areas, particularly the local varieties of Kambowa.

Keywords: ecological engineering- ecosystem engineer, local varieties, soil quality, upland rice

Topic: Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development

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