Pengaruh Electric Furnace Slag, Silica gel dan Unsur Mikro terhadap Sifat Kimia Tanah Serta Pertumbuhan dan Produksi Tanaman Padi Sawah (Oryza sativa L.) pada Tanah Gambut dari Kumpeh, Jambi

Abstract

The staple food of Indonesian is rice, concequently paddy is the most important crop in agriculture. Peat soil is one of marginal land which potential to create the availability of land for paddy in Indonesia. Generally, peat soil in Indonesia has low fertility and availability of silicon (Si). Silicon is beneficial element for paddy rice. Recently, general material used as sources of Si in some countries is steel slag of which consist calcium silicate. One kind of steel slag produced in Indonesia is electric furnace slag. However, according to regulation of government (PP No. 18, 1999 and No. 85, 1999), steel slag is categoried at hazardous waste. The objectives of this research were to determine the effect of EF slag, silica gel, and micro elements on chemical properties of soil, growth and yield of paddy rice on peat soil and to evaluate content of heavy metal in rice for worthiness of rice consumption. This research used peat soil from Kumpeh Regency, Jambi. The research consisted of two experiments, they were incubation experiment in laboratory and pot experiment in greenhouse. The dosage applied for treatment of EF slag and silica gel were 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%. Application of EF slag significantly increased pH, exchangeable Ca and Mg, available-Fe, Mn, Zn, SiO2, and P. Growth and yield of paddy rice with EF slag was better than with silica gel and micro nutrients. Furthermore, the content of heavy metal in rice was very low, so that the rice produced is not harmful and can be consumed.