Effect of dolomite and micronutrients on the growth and yield of lowland rice on acid sulfate soil

¹ National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong Science Centre, Jl. Raya Jakarta-Bogor, KM 46, Cibinong, Bogor, West Java 16991, Indonesia
² Indonesian Institute of Soil and Fertilizer Standardization, Cimanggu 12, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: wiwik_hartatik@yahoo.com

Abstract

Soil acidity, availability of P, base cations, micronutrients such as Cu and Zn, and climate change have become limiting factors in nutrient management on acid sulfate soils. Therefore, applying dolomite and micronutrient fertilizer is required to improve rice productivity and climate change adaptation. This study aims to determine the effect of dolomite, Cu, and Zn fertilizers on the growth and yield of rice in acid sulfate soils. The study was conducted in the greenhouse using a completely randomized design with seven treatments and four replications. The treatment consisted of control, 3 tons ha_-1 dolomite application, and 4 levels of Cu and Zn fertilizer doses 0, 2, 4, and 6 g L^-1. NPK as basal fertilizer was applied according to the recommended dose for all treatments. Observations included soil pH, dissolved Fe, plant height, number of tillers, number and weight of panicle, dry shoots weight, 1000 grains weight, yield, and nutrient uptake (N, P, K, Fe, Cu, and Zn). The results showed that applying dolomite 3 tons ha^-1 significantly increased soil pH, growth, and yield of rice, but applying Cu and Zn fertilizers without dolomite cannot support the growth of rice. Combination of dolomite 3 tons ha^-1 with Cu and Zn fertilizers 4 ml L^-1 increased nutrient uptake of N, P, K, Cu, and Zn in grains around 16% - 35% compared to without micronutrient fertilizers. Applying a combination of dolomite and micronutrient fertilizers can increase soil productivity on acid sulfate soils, nutrient uptake, and increase rice yield.