Status of N, P, K, C-Organic and pH Nutrient in Paddy Fields in South Bolaang Mongondow Regency, Indonesia

Abstract

Rice is the main food crop in Indonesia because rice is a staple food. Therefore, rice production must be increased significantly to meet the needs of the growing population. To increase rice production, in addition to superior varieties, irrigation, pest, and disease control, the nutrient fertility status of rice fields is also very important. Nutrient content in the soil that is below the critical limit is a limiting factor for plant growth and yield. Therefore, the nutrient status of rice fields at the farmer level needs to be identified to improve soil fertility. Bolaang Mongondow Regency is the largest rice-producing district in North Sulawesi Province. In Lolak District, Sangtombolang District, and Dumoga District, many large rice fields are the largest rice producers in North Sulawesi Province, which supply rice to Manado. The status of pH, C-organic, N, P, and K is important to know because it affects the growth and yield of rice. This study aims to study the nutrient status of rice fields in Bolaang Mongondow Regency. This study used a survey method and soil sampling was analyzed for pH, C-organic, N, P, and K at the Palm Plant Standard Instrument Testing Laboratory of Manado. Soil samples were taken from rice fields owned by farmers in Lolak District, Sangtombolang District, and Dumoga District. The results showed that the nutrient status of rice fields in South Bolaang Mongondow Regency varied in each village. Nitrogen nutrient status ranged from 0.01–0.19%, Phosphorus between 87–307 ppm, and Potassium between 0.2–0.5%. In addition, the soil pH was classified as acidic, and the C-organic content was classified as low. Increasing the use of organic fertilizers, agricultural lime to increase pH, application of N, P, and K fertilizers based on soil conditions, and implementing crop rotation to increase soil fertility and productivity.