Effectivity of Mulches and Organic Matter as an Effort of Potatoes to Adapt With Climatic Changes

Abstract

This research aims to find out the efectiveness of mulches and organic matter as an effort of potatoes to adapt with climatic changes. Research was conducted in farming land in 4 different altitudes (1300, 1500, 1700, 1900) meter above sea level.  The experimental design was Split Plot design, applied in each location. Being the main field is mulch types (BPS and straw mulch) and the sub plot is organic matter (chicken manure and compost), applied using the dosages of 10 t/ha, 20 t/ha and 30 t/ha. Each treatment was repeated 3 times.  Observation was done starting from 35 days of age from plantation to harvest time in a-10-day interval. Variables of the measured growth include: the height of plants, the number of leafs, the leaf area, plant dry weight, the number of tubers per plant and the weight of fresh tubers per hectares. The result shows that the growth and production of potatoes in 4 different sites show the same pattern. The highest growth and production was obtained in Tulungrejo (1300 meters above sea level). Treatment of Black Plastic Silver (BPS) mulch  and compost give the highest growth and production in 4 locations.

Keywords: Climatic change, mulch, BPS