Potential of Weeds for Ruminant Feed on Rice Fields in Java

Abstract

Weeds compete with rice for sunlight, nutrients and water, and may reduce the yield. However, in traditional rice farming systems farmers utilize many kinds of weeds for food, forage or household purposes. Rice weeds are also utilized to feed ruminants.The aims of this research were to explore the weed diversity of rice field in various regions and rice farming systems in Java. Field researches were conducted in November 2011 – January 2012. Designated research areas: West Java: Cianjur (upland) and Karawang (lowland); Central of Java: Karanganyar (upland) and Brebes (lowland); East Java: Malang (upland) and Gresik (lowland). Locations of plots have been selected according the principles of stratified random sampling. Weed assemblages were sampled in fields of intensive and extensive farming systems as well as in fallowed areas before weeding time in two seasons. The result showed that approximately 295 species of weeds growth in rice field and terrace area. Dominant weed species present at the terrace in experimental site were Cynodondactylon, Eleusineindica, and Fimbristylismiliaceae. Potency of weed for ruminant feed gains approximately 903,5 g/m2 at terrace area.