Penetapan Neraca Air Tanah untuk Tanaman Melon (Cucumis melo L.) dengan Penambahan Biochar Dosis Tinggi, Bahan Organik, dan Kapur Pertanian

Abstract

Melon (Cucumis melo L.), a fruit of significant economic value, has obstaclesin the production process, including low soil fertility, adverse climatic conditions, pests, diseases, and limited technological knowledge. High doses of biochar, organic materials, and agricultural lime are used in lysimeter experiments to study how they affect melon plants' water balance and crop coefficient (Kc). The data analysis includesrainfall, meteorological data from local AWS (Automatic Weather Station) stations, irrigation, plant growth, and crop production. During the planting period, the highest cumulative plant evapotranspiration (ETc)in the second planting period ranged from 399.1 to 457.9 mm, especially in the biochar treatment of 40 tons/ha of biochar. The highest crop coefficient (Kc) occurred in the second planting period with 40 tons/ha of biochar, ranging from 1.3 in the initial phase to 2.6 in the late season. The growth phase produces the highest ETc values in the late season and Kc in the mid-season. The 20 tons/ha biochar treatment produced large fruit quality with lower Brix values, while the 40 tons/ha biochar treatment produced a high Brix value. Combining treatments improved nutrient availability and the activity of soil microorganisms, thereby helping to increase plant growth and productivity.