Infiltrasi Berdasarkan Umur Tanam dan Aplikasi Tandan Kosong Kelapa Sawit serta Analisis Hubungannya dengan Sifat Tanah

Abstract

Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh pentingnya pengelolaan sifat fisik tanah untuk mendukung infiltrasi pada perkebunan kelapa sawit yang dipengaruhi umur tanaman dan aplikasi tandan kosong kelapa sawit (TKKS). Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis laju infiltrasi dan sifat tanah pada dua umur tanaman kelapa sawit dan aplikasi TKKS, serta analisis hubungan sifat tanah terhadap infiltrasi. Penelitian menggunakan Rancangan Acak Kelompok (RAK) faktorial 2×2 dengan dua faktor, yaitu umur tanaman (7 dan 10 tahun) serta aplikasi TKKS. Parameter yang diamati meliputi bobot isi, porositas total, bahan organik tanah, dan laju infiltrasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa aplikasi TKKS menurunkan bobot isi, meningkatkan porositas total dan bahan organik tanah, serta meningkatkan laju infiltrasi dari kategori sedang menjadi agak cepat. Hasil ANOVA menunjukkan bahwa aplikasi TKKS berpengaruh nyata terhadap bahan organik pada kedalaman 0–20 cm, tetapi tidak berpengaruh nyata terhadap bobot isi, porositas total, dan infiltrasi. Umur tanaman juga tidak berpengaruh nyata terhadap seluruh parameter. Analisis regresi menunjukkan bahwa porositas total memberikan pengaruh sebesar 20,6% dan memiliki hubungan positif terhadap infiltrasi dengan nilai koefisien korelasi sebesar 0,454, sedangkan bahan organik memberikan pengaruh hanya 0,79% dan memiliki hubungan positif sangat lemah terhadap infiltrasi dengan nilai koefisien korelasi sebesar 0,089. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa aplikasi TKKS berpotensi mendukung pengelolaan tanah dan air secara berkelanjutan pada perkebunan kelapa sawit.

This study was based on the importance of managing soil physical properties to support oil palm plantation productivity, which are influenced by plant age and the application of empty fruit bunches (EFB). This study aims to analyze soil infiltration rates and soil properties at two oil palm tree ages and EFB applications, as well as their relationship to infiltration. The study used a 2×2 factorial randomized block design (RBD) with two factors: tree age (7 and 10 years) and EFB application. The observed parameters included bulk density, total porosity, soil organic matter, and infiltration rate. The results showed that EFB application decreased bulk density, increased total porosity, soil organic matter, and infiltration rate from the moderate category to the relatively fast category. ANOVA results showed that EFB application had a significant effect on organic matter at a depth of 0–20 cm, but had no significant effect on bulk density, total porosity, and infiltration. Differences in plant age also did not have a significant effect on any of the observed parameters. Regression analysis shows that total porosity affects infiltration of 20.6% and has a positive relationship with it, with a correlation coefficient of 0.454, while organic matter affects infiltration only of 0.79% and has a very weak positive relationship with it, with a correlation coefficient of 0.089. The study results showed that the application of EFB has the potential to support sustainable soil and water management in oil palm plantations.