Aishar Muhammad Fikri Nur Ikhsan, Risvan Anwar, Eka Suzanna, Farida Aryani, Nurlianti, Prihanani

UJI EFEKTIFITAS PENAMBAHAN AIR KELAPA FERMENTASI, ASAM ASETAT, ETANOL, DAN GARAM PADA GLIFOSAT TERHADAP GULMA DI PERKEBUNAN SAWIT YANG BELUM MENGHASILKAN

Introduction

Uji efektifitas penambahan air kelapa fermentasi, asam asetat, etanol, dan garam pada glifosat terhadap gulma di perkebunan sawit yang belum menghasilkan. Uji efektivitas herbisida alami berbasis air kelapa fermentasi, asam asetat, etanol & glifosat rendah untuk kendalikan gulma di sawit muda. Pertanian berkelanjutan.

Abstract

Oil palm is a strategic commodity that plays a vital role in Indonesia's economy, but its productivity is often hindered by weed infestation. Chemical weed control commonly relies on synthetic herbicides, which pose environmental risks. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a new natural-based herbicide formulation consisting of fermented coconut water, ethanol, acetic acid, salt, and low-dose glyphosate in immature oil palm plantations. The research employed a single-factor Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with nine formulation treatments and three replications. Vegetation analysis revealed three dominant weed species in the experimental area: Borreria alata, Ageratum conyzoides, and Asystasia gangetica. The results indicated that all herbicide formulations were able to suppress weed populations and dry weight, although the differences were not statistically significant. Numerically, Formulation 8 (F8) provided the best results, achieving a weed mortality rate of up to 99%. In contrast to previous formulations requiring high application volumes (35–50 L/ha), this new formulation is more efficient at a dosage of 4–6 L/ha. This formulation works synergistically, is environmentally friendly, and has the potential to support sustainable agricultural practices

Review

This study addresses a highly pertinent issue in modern agriculture: effective and sustainable weed management in oil palm plantations, particularly in Indonesia where the commodity holds significant economic importance. The authors propose an innovative approach by developing a natural-based herbicide formulation combining fermented coconut water, ethanol, acetic acid, salt, and a low dose of glyphosate. This initiative is commendable given the escalating environmental concerns associated with conventional synthetic herbicides. The research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of this novel formulation in immature oil palm settings, offering a promising avenue for reducing ecological footprint while maintaining crop productivity. Methodologically, the study employed a single-factor Randomized Complete Block Design with nine distinct formulations and three replications, which is a standard and appropriate design for such field trials. The identification of dominant weed species (*Borreria alata, Ageratum conyzoides, Asystasia gangetica*) provides valuable context for the observed results. The findings indicate that all tested herbicide formulations were capable of suppressing weed populations and dry weight, albeit without statistically significant differences among the treatments themselves. Despite this, Formulation 8 (F8) numerically demonstrated superior performance, achieving an impressive weed mortality rate of up to 99%. A standout achievement highlighted is the substantial reduction in required application volume, from 35-50 L/ha for previous formulations to a highly efficient 4-6 L/ha, signifying a significant practical advancement. The strength of this work lies in its innovative, environmentally conscious approach and the demonstration of a synergistic effect leading to high numerical efficacy and dramatically improved application efficiency. This formulation truly holds potential for supporting sustainable agricultural practices. However, the lack of statistical significance in differentiating between the various formulations warrants further investigation or discussion within the full manuscript. While overall effectiveness is clearly demonstrated, exploring whether this implies all tested formulations are equally effective, or if higher replication or different statistical analyses might reveal subtle differences, would be beneficial. Future research could also delve deeper into the specific mechanisms of synergy, long-term impacts on soil health and non-target organisms, and a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis to facilitate practical adoption in the field. Nonetheless, this study presents a valuable contribution towards more sustainable weed management in critical agricultural systems.

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