The Effect of Planting Distance and Fertilization on the Land Equivalence Ratio of Intercropping Indigofera zollingeriana and Brachiaria decumbens Based on Dry Matter Production
Pengaruh Jarak Tanam dan Pemupukan terhadap Nisbah Kesetaraan Lahan Tumpangsari Indigofera zollingeriana dan Brachiaria decumbens Berdasarkan Produksi Bahan Kering
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.57207/qv9tj795Keywords:
Brachiaria decumbens, Indigofera zollingeriana, Land Equivalent Ratio (LER)Abstract
Forage productivity in Indonesia remains relatively low, particularly during the dry season, highlighting the need for strategies to improve both the quality and quantity of forage. One potential approach is the intercropping system between leguminous plants and grasses. This study aimed to analyze the effect of planting distance and fertilization on the Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) of intercropping Indigofera zollingeriana and Brachiaria decumbens based on dry matter production. The experiment was arranged using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), consisting of Factor A (planting pattern), with K1 to K4 representing monoculture and K5 to K8 representing intercropping systems, and Factor B (fertilization). Each treatment combination was replicated three times. The observed parameters included the dry matter production of each plant and the LER value as an indicator of land-use efficiency. The results showed that the intercropping system of Indigofera zollingeriana and Brachiaria decumbens with the K3P planting combination (Iz 1.00 m × 1.50 m and Bd 0.25 m × 0.25 m) with fertilization was the most optimal spacing combination based on dry matter production. This treatment yielded a Land Equivalent Ratio greater than 1 (2.39), indicating that the intercropping system was more efficient than monoculture. The combination of legumes and grasses was able to improve forage quality through increased protein content, as well as enhance the efficiency of resource utilization such as light, water, and nutrients. Therefore, the intercropping system of Indigofera zollingeriana and Brachiaria decumbens has strong potential as a practical solution to improve both the productivity and quality of forage.
