Penggunaan Mulsa Vertikal pada Lahan Kering untuk Menekan Erosi, Aliran Permukaan dan Pengaruhnya terhadap Pertumbuhan dan Produksi Jagung
This study aimed to determine the effect of vertical mulching to minimize of runoff and soil erosion, vertical mulching influence on the growth and yield of maize, and the correlation between erosion and runoff to maize yield in vertical mulching. This study was conducted in March and July 2012 in the village of Bulontala, District of South Suwawa, Bolango Bone regency, Gorontalo province with slope +15%. This study uses a randomized block design (with three treatment levels: (a) P0 control, (b) P1 (vertical mulching with length 1 m, width 0.5 m and the 0.4 m), and (c) P2 (vertical mulch with 1 m long, 0.5 m wide and 0.5 m in). Each treatment was repeated 3 times in order to obtain experimental plots 9 unit. Observation parameters include surface runoff, erosion, plant growth and the production of maize. Data was analyzed using analysis of variance with the help of SAS data processing program. P1 treatment because runoff and soil erosion are markedly lower (surface flow of 108.19 m3 ha-1 and the erosion of 683.0 kg ha-1). P1 treatment significantly affected the growth of stem diameter (2.21 cm) and increased production of dry shelled maize crop (3.28 ton ha-1). Surface flow is positively correlated with erosion and runoff and erosion negatively correlated with maize production.