Micro-Climate Characteristics of Multi Density Cassava Planting. Guided

Abstract

The objective of this research was to understand the micro climate characteristics such as radiation, air temperature, relative humidity and intercepted radiation at cassaca plantation with different varieties, organic compounds and density at Cimahpar, Bogor. This characterization was based on micro climate observation at cassava plantation utilizing two instruments. First, the measurement was done by AWS (Automatic Weather Station) at the 20 MST (Week After Planting). Second, using Termokopel Blackbody Portable at 32 MST and 40 MST. Destructive sample data measurement was done to find the Leaf Area Index (LAI) of the cassava. Closer planting gap will increase the LAI. The LAI has a positive correlation with intercepted radiation. Intercepted radiation increase along with higher LAI to a maximum value, then it decline as LAI decrease due to aging and leaf falls around harvest period. Maximum value of LAI and intercepted radiation occur at 32 MST at density 1 m x 0,5 m (P1). LAI also influence other micro climate characteristics including solar radiation, air temperature and humidity. The lowest value of solar radiation and air temperature was found at 2 m x 2 m (P3). Generally, Adira variety appear with the highest value of LAI at all treatments. This was due to the relatively small yet large number of leafs which makes them look more dense. The characteristic of the Adira cause a bigger amount of radiation intercepted compared to the other variety. Next in row in LAI and intercepted radiation value is the UJ-5 variety then the Cicurug.