Application of Guano Fertilizer and Types of Mulch on Growth and Yield of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Aims: The purpose of this study was to obtain the best interaction between guano doses and mulch on the growth and yield of potato plants.

Study Design: The experimental design used was factorial 2 factors in a completely randomized design (CRD).

Place and Duration of Study: This experiment was carried out in Alahan Panjang, Lembah Gumanti District, Solok Regency, West Sumatra from March to June 2018.

Methodology: Factorial design 2 factors was use in research. The first factor consisted of 4 levels of guano fertilizer doses of 0, 3, 6 and 9 t ha-1. The second factor consisted of black silver plastic mulch and black plastic mulch. Data were analyzed statistically with the Fisher test and if significantly different then continued with the Duncan’s New Multiple Range test (p≤0.05)

Results: No interaction between guano fertilizer and the two types of mulch tested with

respect to plant height, number of leaves, and smallest tuber diameter were observed. Guano fertilizer at 9 t ha-1 gave the best influence on the number of tubers and the diameter of tuber. Black plastic mulch had the best influence on the number of tubers, the diameter of tuber, the weight of tubers per plant and the weight of tubers per hectare.

Conclusion: The dosage of guano fertilizer of 9 t ha-1gave the best effect on the number and diameter of tubers. The type of black plastic mulch gave the best effect on tuber number, tuber diameter, tuber weight per plant and tuber weight per hectare.