Light-Intercepting Characteristics and Growth of Tomatoes Cultivated in a Greenhouse Using a Movable Bench System

The objective of this study was to investigate the growth and light-intercepting characteristics of tomatoes when movable benches are used in their cultivation. We cultivated tomatoes in a greenhouse (168 m2) during summer (9 July–9 September 2018) under different furrow distances (F1.0 = 1.0 m and F1.6 = 1.6 m) and movable benches (M indicates that the furrow distance = 0.4–0.8 m). Compared to the other treatments, when the movable bench was used to the change furrow distance depending on the plant growth stage (M treatment), the percentage of canopy light interception increased to ~90% at the early stage of plant growth (~20 days after transplanting). The percentage of canopy light interception for different treatments increased in the order of M > F1.0 > F1.6, and it increased towards the end of cultivation. In addition, the yield per unit area exhibited the same trend. Therefore, the solar radiation inside a greenhouse can be efficiently intercepted by plants when movable benches are used. This indicated that it was possible to increase plant yield per unit area using movable benches in plant cultivation.

Photosynthetic efficiency, growth and secondary metabolism of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) in different controlled-environment production systems

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and high-pressure sodium lamps (HPS) are among the most commonly used light sources for plant cultivation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of two controlled-environment production systems differing in light sources on growth, photosynthetic activity, and secondary metabolism of common buckwheat. We hypothesized that LED light with the majority of red and blue waves would increase physiological and biochemical parameters compared to sunlight supplemented with HPS lamps. The experiment was performed in a phytotronic chamber (LEDs) and in a greenhouse (solar radiation supplemented with HPS lamps as a control). The effects were analyzed at the flowering phase with biometric measurements, leaf chlorophyll index, the kinetics of chlorophyll a fluorescence, content of soluble carbohydrates and phenolics in the leaves. Applied LED light decreased the biomass but stimulated the production of phenolics compared to control plants. In control plants, a positive correlation between flavonoid content and energy dissipation from photosystem II (DIo/CSm) was found, while in plants under LEDs total pool of phenolic content correlated with this parameter and the quantum yield of electron transport (φ Ro and ψ Ro) was lower than that of the control, probably affecting buckwheat biomass.

Pemanfaatan Sistem Embung Sebagai Sumber Air dan Pangan Keluarga di Desa Cikalong Tasikmalaya Jawa Barat

<p><strong><em>Utilizing the Pond as A Water and Food Source in Cikalong Village Tasikmalaya </em></strong><strong><em>West Java.</em></strong> Cikalong Village is administratively in the Tasikmalaya Regency, West Java, often experiencing drought every year, chiefly in the dry season, when the local people have difficulty obtaining water to meet their daily needs. The method used in the activity was a direct observation, interviews, and FGD (Focus Group Discussion). The number of people involved is 10-15 people, in which there are community leaders and farmers. This activity aims to determine the contribution and benefits of the pond, especially in the dry season which is prone to drought. Ponds can be an alternative solution, apart from being a water source, their function can also be developed for fish cultivation with an aquaculture system and vegetables with an aqua-plants system. Both systems are able to meet food needs on a family scale well, with the integration of various types of fish such as <em>Cyprinus carpio</em>, <em>Oreochromis mossambicus</em> and vegetables such as chili, leeks, tomatoes. The results of the activity showed that the benefits of making ponds around the house with sizes of 10x10 m, 5x5 m, and 3x3 m and in gardens with sizes 10x20 m to 20x20 are as water storage, fish cultivation and plant cultivation. The pond was a form of adaptation and mitigation of local communities in responding to the effects of drought properly. The Cikalong Village community can be categorized as a community that has a fairly high sensitivity to the surrounding environmental conditions in recognizing and mitigating drought problems.</p>

Smallholders Perception on Mutation Breeding's Muna Teak Demonstration Plot in Cariu Private Forest

Teak wood is the superior wood for carpentry, and the need for carpentry continues to increase in Indonesia. It has prompted various efforts to increase teak production, both in state forests and non-state forests. One of the efforts to increase teak production is using advanced science and technology, superior teak seedlings from mutation breeding. This study aims to describe smallholder's perception of the demonstration plot of Muna Teak from mutation breeding in the Cariu Private Forest, Bogor Regency. The research used two methods: Focused Group Discussion and semi-structured interviews by questionnaires. For the analysis, the study used the perceptual process framework) to explore the data from the two methods and present it descriptively. The result shows that smallholders had a good perception toward the mutation breeding Muna Teak demonstration plot. Smallholders can carry out intercropping (agroforestry) activities in the demonstration plot and increase their knowledge of forestry plant cultivation, especially teak. The activity provides an opportunity for smallholders to improve their welfare.

Family Medicinal Plant Cultivation (TOGA) in the New Normal of the Covid-19 Pandemic

The existence of Covid-19 quickly resulted in many losses, so the government implemented a new normal. This policy encourages all parties to take various ways to restore the economic, social, and cultural conditions, one of which is by cultivating Family Medicinal Plants (TOGA) which also functions to increase the body immunity and utilizing yard land that has not been managed optimally. The activities are socialization about TOGA, cultivation techniques, cultivation practices, mentoring, and evaluation. This activity was carried out during the new normal at RT.03 RW. 05, Limbungan Rumbai was attended by 15 partners. Partners are enthusiastic about cultivating TOGA and have increased knowledge after the implementation of the extension. The practice of planting the 45 TOGA seeds given, 100% succeeded in growing well. The success of growing seedlings include quality seeds, correct planting techniques and giving fertilizer at the right dose.

PELATIHAN PEMBUATAN BIOCHAR DARI SERESAH GAMBUT UNTUK MEMINIMALISIR KEBAKARAN LAHAN DI DESA RASAU JAYA II

ABSTRAKLahan gambut di Desa Rasau Jaya II relatif luas yang berpotensi untuk dimanfaatkan sebagai lahan pertanian walaupun kondisinya marginal. Petani umumnya membakar lahan tersebut pada musim kemarau untuk meningkatkan kesuburan namun efek negatifnya adalah munculnya titik api dan polusi udara dari asap hasil kebakaran lahan. Oleh karena itu dibutuhkan suatu teknologi agar lahan tersebut dapat dimanfaatkan untuk pertanian dengan risiko yang minimal terhadap lingkungan, seperti pembuatan biochar dengan teknik pembakaran terkontrol dari serasah gambut. Tujuan: (1) Meningkatkan pengetahuan petani mengenai pengelolaan lahan tanpa dibakar dan cara pembuatan biochar, (2) Meningkatkan keterampilan petani dalam pembuatan biochar, (3) Meningkatkan jiwa wirausaha terutama produk biochar. Kegiatan ini menggunakan metode observasi, partisipator dan eksperimental serta survey dengan kegiatan penyuluhan, pelatihan, pembuatan dan aplikasi biochar yang dibuat dari serasah gambut serta evaluasi di Desa Rasau Jaya II. Hasil dari kegiatan tersebut yaitu 97% peserta mengetahui dampak positif pengelolaan lahan tanpa dibakar dan mengetahui cara pembuatan biochar, 93% petani sudah terampil dalam membuat biochar, serta 93% petani juga tertarik untuk mengaplikasikan biochar dalam budidaya tanaman dan menjadikan produk usaha. Kegiatan ini telah meningkatkan pengetahuan, keterampilan dan jiwa wirausaha dalam pertanian khususnya pembuatan biochar dan cukup potensial untuk meningkatkan perekonomian petani cabai di Desa Rasau Jaya serta mengurangi pembakaran hutan dan lahan. Kata kunci: arang; charcoal; histosol; peat. ABSTRACTThe peat land in Rasau Jaya II Village are relatively wide which could be used for agriculture potentially even though its in marginal condition. Generally, the farmers would burned the land in the dry season to increase fertility, but the negative effects are emergence of hotspots and air pollution from smoke. Therefore, a technology is needed so that the land can be used for agriculture with minimal risk to the environment, such as making biochar with controlled burning techniques from peat litter or twigs. Objectives: (1) Increase farmers' knowledge about eco-friendly peat land management and how biochar are made, (2) Improve farmers' skills in making biochar, (3) Increase entrepreneurial spirit, especially biochar. This community service activity used observation, participatory and experimental methods as well as surveys with extension activities, training, manufacture and application of biochar made from peat litter as well as evaluation in Rasau Jaya II Village. The results of this activity are that 97% of participants know about positive impact in peat land management without burning activity wich is relatively new for them , 93% of farmers are skilled in making biochar, and 93% of farmers are also interested in applying biochar in plant cultivation and making business products. This activity has increased knowledge, skills and entrepreneurial spirit in agriculture, especially in producing biochar and has the potential to improve the economy of chili farmers in Rasau Jaya Village and reduce forest and land burning activity.Key words: charcoal; charcoal; histosol; peat.