Optimal Dosage and Frequency of K2SO4 Application

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 147 views

The Growth and Results of Three Varieties of Red Chili (Capsicum Annuum L.) with the Application of Potassium Sulfate

Introduction

Red chili is one of the most important agricultural commodities in Indonesia, with a significant harvest area and production volume. However, the average productivity of red chili in the country is still far from meeting public consumption needs. One of the causes of low chili production in Indonesia is plant vulnerability to the fall of flowers and fruit prematurely. Nutrition is a crucial factor that affects agricultural output, and potassium deficiency can be a serious obstacle to growth in chili plants. Potassium plays a vital role in the activity of enzymes in the leaves, which directly affects the process of photosynthesis and translocation of photosynthesis. Therefore, this study aims to determine the optimal dosage and frequency of Potassium Sulfate (K2SO4) application for the growth and results of three red chili varieties.

Background of the Study

Red chili is a staple crop in Indonesia, with a harvest area reaching 233,904 hectares and production of 1,378,727 tons. Nevertheless, the average productivity only reached 5.89 tons per hectare, which is still far from the numbers needed to meet public consumption, which is around 2.77 kg per capita in 2014. The low productivity of red chili in Indonesia can be attributed to various factors, including plant vulnerability to the fall of flowers and fruit prematurely. This study aims to investigate the effect of potassium sulfate application on the growth and results of three red chili varieties.

Methodology

This study was conducted in the experimental land of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Muhammadiyah, North Sumatra, with a height of about 27 meters above sea level, from July to November 2012. The method used was a divided plot design (RPT) which involved two factors, namely varieties as the main plot and Dosage and frequency of K2SO4 as plots. The three varieties of chili tested are TM 999, Lado, and Landung. A total of ten dose and K2SO4 frequency treatments are applied, ranging from without fertilizer to a maximum dose of 4.5 g/liter of water, with varying frequency.

Results

The results showed a significant difference in growth and results between the three varieties. Observed parameters include plant height, number of leaf chlorophyll, flowering age, number of flowers, percentage of fall fruit, number of fruit, fruit weight, water content, and shelf life. In addition, the dosage and frequency treatment of K2SO4 also shows a significant difference compared to control. The best dosage and frequency found in this study is K9, which is 4.5 g/liter of K2SO4 with a frequency of 12 times during the planting period for TM 999 and Landung varieties. Meanwhile, Lado varieties show the best results at a dose of 3 g/liter of water with the same frequency of administration (K5).

Discussion

The results of this study provide important insights on nutritional management in red chili cultivation, especially regarding the importance of potassium in increasing growth and results. By increasing farmers' understanding of appropriate fertilization, it is expected to improve the productivity of red chili in Indonesia, which in turn can meet the needs of community consumption better. In addition, the results of this study can be a reference for further research in the development of chili varieties and more effective nutritional management.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study demonstrates the importance of potassium sulfate application in increasing the growth and results of three red chili varieties. The optimal dosage and frequency of K2SO4 application found in this study can be a valuable reference for farmers and researchers in the development of chili varieties and more effective nutritional management. By applying the results of this study, it is expected to improve the productivity of red chili in Indonesia and meet the needs of community consumption better.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Optimal Dosage and Frequency of K2SO4 Application: The optimal dosage and frequency of K2SO4 application found in this study is K9, which is 4.5 g/liter of K2SO4 with a frequency of 12 times during the planting period for TM 999 and Landung varieties. Meanwhile, Lado varieties show the best results at a dose of 3 g/liter of water with the same frequency of administration (K5).
Nutritional Management: The results of this study highlight the importance of potassium in increasing growth and results in chili plants. Therefore, it is recommended to apply potassium sulfate as a fertilizer to improve the productivity of red chili in Indonesia.
Further Research: The results of this study can be a reference for further research in the development of chili varieties and more effective nutritional management.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

Limited Sample Size: The sample size of this study is limited to three varieties of chili, which may not be representative of all chili varieties.
Limited Experimental Design: The experimental design used in this study is a divided plot design, which may not be able to capture the interactions between the two factors (varieties and dosage and frequency of K2SO4).
Limited Data Collection: The data collection in this study is limited to a few parameters, which may not be able to capture the full range of effects of potassium sulfate application on the growth and results of chili plants.

Future Directions

Based on the results of this study, the following future directions are recommended:

Further Research on Nutritional Management: Further research is needed to investigate the effects of other nutrients on the growth and results of chili plants.
Development of Chili Varieties: Further research is needed to develop new chili varieties that are more resistant to disease and pests, and have higher productivity.
Implementation of Nutritional Management: The results of this study should be implemented in agricultural practices to improve the productivity of red chili in Indonesia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Growth and Results of Three Varieties of Red Chili (Capsicum Annuum L.) with the Application of Potassium Sulfate

Q: What is the importance of potassium in chili plants?

A: Potassium plays a vital role in the activity of enzymes in the leaves, which directly affects the process of photosynthesis and translocation of photosynthesis. When plants lack potassium, plant growth will be inhibited and their productivity will be reduced.

Q: What are the benefits of applying potassium sulfate to chili plants?

A: The application of potassium sulfate can increase the growth and results of chili plants by improving the activity of enzymes, enhancing photosynthesis, and promoting the translocation of photosynthesis.

Q: What are the optimal dosage and frequency of potassium sulfate application for chili plants?

A: The optimal dosage and frequency of potassium sulfate application found in this study is K9, which is 4.5 g/liter of K2SO4 with a frequency of 12 times during the planting period for TM 999 and Landung varieties. Meanwhile, Lado varieties show the best results at a dose of 3 g/liter of water with the same frequency of administration (K5).

Q: Can potassium sulfate application improve the productivity of chili plants?

A: Yes, the application of potassium sulfate can improve the productivity of chili plants by increasing the growth and results of the plants.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including limited sample size, limited experimental design, and limited data collection.

Q: What are the future directions for further research?

A: Further research is needed to investigate the effects of other nutrients on the growth and results of chili plants, develop new chili varieties that are more resistant to disease and pests, and have higher productivity, and implement the results of this study in agricultural practices to improve the productivity of red chili in Indonesia.

Q: How can the results of this study be applied in agricultural practices?

A: The results of this study can be applied in agricultural practices by applying the optimal dosage and frequency of potassium sulfate application found in this study to improve the productivity of chili plants.

Q: What are the implications of this study for farmers and researchers?

A: The results of this study have important implications for farmers and researchers, as they provide valuable information on the optimal dosage and frequency of potassium sulfate application for chili plants, and highlight the importance of potassium in increasing growth and results in chili plants.

Q: Can the results of this study be generalized to other types of chili plants?

A: The results of this study may not be generalizable to other types of chili plants, as the study was conducted on three specific varieties of chili plants.

Q: What are the potential applications of this study in other fields?

A: The results of this study may have potential applications in other fields, such as the development of new fertilizers and the improvement of agricultural practices in other crops.

Q: How can the results of this study be used to improve the productivity of chili plants in Indonesia?

A: The results of this study can be used to improve the productivity of chili plants in Indonesia by applying the optimal dosage and frequency of potassium sulfate application found in this study, and by implementing the results of this study in agricultural practices.

Q: What are the potential risks and challenges associated with the application of potassium sulfate to chili plants?

A: The potential risks and challenges associated with the application of potassium sulfate to chili plants include the potential for over-fertilization, which can lead to environmental pollution and negative impacts on human health.

Q: How can the results of this study be used to develop new chili varieties that are more resistant to disease and pests?

A: The results of this study can be used to develop new chili varieties that are more resistant to disease and pests by applying the optimal dosage and frequency of potassium sulfate application found in this study, and by implementing the results of this study in agricultural practices.

Q: What are the potential benefits of applying the results of this study in agricultural practices?

A: The potential benefits of applying the results of this study in agricultural practices include improved productivity of chili plants, increased yields, and improved quality of chili products.