PLANT CELL BIOTECHNOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Rice straw is one of the raw materials in making compost that contains nutrients needed by the soil and plants. Utilization of rice straw compost can be a way to make efficient use of inorganic fertilizers. In its implementation, farmers need guidance on the use of a combination of rice straw compost and inorganic fertilizer (NPK) so that the production of rice produced does not decrease. The study was conducted in a pot with a diameter of 24 cm and a height of 26 cm. The combination of rice straw compost and NPK used in this study are P₀ (0% compost + 0% NPK), P₁ (0% compost + 100% NPK), P₂ (20% compost + 80% NPK), P₃ (40% compost + 60% NPK), P₄ (60% compost + 40% NPK) and P₅ (80% compost + 20% NPK). The study used a randomized block design using Ciherang variety of rice seeds. The result is a combination of rice straw compost and inorganic fertilizer causes improvement in physical, chemical, and biological soil properties as indicated by a decrease in soil bulk density, soil water content, increase in soil organic C content, and total soil microbes. Rice straw compost can reduce the use of inorganic fertilizers ranging from 20-80% without reducing yields. The use of rice straw compost can also be a way to reduce exhaust emissions from burning straw and realize environmentally-friendly rice cultivation.