Table of contents

International Conference on Organic Agriculture in the Tropics: State-of-the-Art, Challenges and Opportunities

August 20-24^th, 2017

List of Editors, Reviewers, Table of Content and Index are available in this pdf.

All papers published in this volume of IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science have been peer reviewed through processes administered by the proceedings Editors. Reviews were conducted by expert referees to the professional and scientific standards expected of a proceedings journal published by IOP Publishing.

The objectives of this study were to determine the: (1) rice production and productivity, (2) factors that affecting the rice production and productivity, (3) usage of organic fertilizer, and (4) factors that affecting the usage of organic fertilizer. Juwiring district was appointed as the study location due to its contribution of rice production in Klaten Regency as well as Central Java Province. Multiple regression analysis was applied to determine the factors that affecting the rice production, productivity, and demand of organic fertilizer. The average of rice productivity was 6.23ton/ha. Land size, fertilizer, pesticide, and credit accessibility were the factors that affecting the rice production. On the other hand, seed, fertilizer, pesticide, labor, credit accessibility, and land ownership were the factor affecting the rice productivity. Producers used the organic fertilizer approximately 125.46 kg/ha and the factors that affecting it were price of organic and urea fertilizer.

This experiment conducted at the greenhouse of Agriculture Faculty, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, West Java, Indonesia elevated at ± 782 m above sea levels. The aim of this experiment is to determine the effect of phosphate solubilizing bacteria and organic fertilizer on the phosphatase, P available, P uptake, and growth of sweet corn which planted on Andisols from Lembang, West Java, Indonesia. The Randomized Block Design (RBD) was used in this experiment with twelve treatments and three replications. The treatments were three isolates (Bacillus mycoides, Bacillus maceransand Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes) combined with organic fertilizers: cow manure and green manure. The result shows that phosphate solubilizing bacteria and organic fertilizer significantly increased the soil phosphatase and P-available. The treatments did not have a significant effect on the growth of sweet corn on Andisols. The isolate of P. pseudoalcaligenes combined with green manure gave the highest to soil available P.

Organonitrophos (OP) is an organic fertilizer which is enriched by nitrogen-fixing and phosphorus solubilizer microbes. This study aimed to determine the effect of the combination dose of OP and inorganic fertilizers as well as the addition of biochar and its interaction on soil fauna (earthworms and mesofauna) in Ultisol soil during the maize growth. This research was conducted at the Integrated Field Laboratory, University of Lampung. The treatment used was a 6 × 2 factorial with three replications in a randomized block design (RBD). The first factor was the combination dose of OP and inorganic fertilizers consisting of six levels, and the second factor was biochar from rice husk consisting of two levels. Earthworm was examined using "hand sorting" method and soil mesofauna using dry extract "Barlesse-Tulgreen" method. The results showed that during the maize growth, the highest population of earthworms and soil mesofauna as well as the highest biomass of earthworm were found in P5 treatment (100% OP). Application of 100% biochar (B1) decreased the population and biomass of earthworms, on the contrary it increased the population of soil mesofauna. Moreover, Shannon-Weaver Diversity Index of soil mesofauna is not affected by the combined fertilizers and biochar.

Bioremediation is the biological technology for removing toxic and complex pollutants in soil and water system by degrading or transforming the pollutants becoming harmless compounds. The research focused on determining the Mushroom log waste (MLW) and Azotobactervinelandii effect to improve the rate and efficiency of petroleum degradation in soil and assessment of functional microbial existing in that soil system. The randomized block design (RBD) was used with six treatments and three replications consisted of: Control; A. vinelandii; Petrophylic; Mushroom log waste (MLW); A. vinelandii + MLW; Petrophylic + MLW. The result showed that A. vinelandii treatment accelerated the hydrocarbon degradationrate from 0.007811 day⁻¹ to 0.011038 day⁻¹.While the hydrocarbons degradation rate by MLW treatmentreached 0.026354 day⁻¹, with a biodegradation efficiency of 81.716 %. The MLW also enhancedbacterial petrophylicgrowth rate from 0.263029 day⁻¹ to 0.357115 day⁻¹, while Azotobacterspp.growth rate enhanced from 0.057886 day⁻¹ to 0.250719 day⁻¹. The MLW has potential used for supporting soil rehabilitation of petroleum waste, also increased existing of Azotobacter spp. population.

Organic farming provides many benefits. It can improve soil fertility such as carbon fraction. Carbon fraction is one of soil characteristics parameter which can be used as soil chemistry indicator. The objective of the study was to observe the influence of organic and conventional management system of soils on soil carbon distribution. Soil samples were taken from Kebonagung, Imogiri and Kalitirto, Berbah. The results showed that there was significant change of soil carbon fraction and soil chemical properties in both organic and conventional management system. Application of organic farming systems was able to effect on carbon fraction. It was showed by increasing of humic acid, fulvic acid, C-POM (C-particulate organic matter), C-BMT (C-biomass soil microorganism), water-soluble carbon and C-mineralization. The results also showed that organic farming can improve soil chemical properties of paddy field including organic carbon, Cation Exchange Capacity, and total Nitrogen.

Organic rice has become the champion program of the Department of Agriculture in several districts in Indonesia, it is related to increasing awareness of consuming healthy foods which free from inorganic contaminants. Organic farming requires organic fertilizer supply in large quantities as a source of nutrition plants. Azollapinnata water fern is alternative organic matter in organic rice fields because of higher nutritional value compared to manure and can be cultivated in situ that reduces transportation costs. This research was conducted in the fields which first planted organic rice. The randomized block design was used, repeated three times with the treatment: cow manure 100% and the combination of Azolla + manure 25%, 50%, and 75% up to 100%. The results showed that Azolla 50% + cow manure 50% could increase plant height and tillers number, but the organic C content, total N, and C/N of soil was not different than the application of 100% cow manure. Although the yield of all treatments showed similarly,it could increase the dry grain rice weight as much as 19.17% compared with the 100% manure treatment. TheAzolla 50% + cow manure 50% treatment could increase the soil organic C content ranging from 1.3% to 1.7% which indicates the restoration of sick soil leads to healthy soil.

This research aimed at studying the change of organic-P status as an impact of horticultural farming in Andisols forest. Horticulture is an alternative agricultural practice which mainly develops in upland nowadays. However, the presence of this agricultural practice significantly influences on soil chemical properties, at most organic P-content. This research was conducted at five observation sites in the southern slope of Lawu Mountain, Tawangmangu, Central Java. Horticulture farming in this area has been developed for more than 25 years with organic manure application mainly derived from cow dung. This organic manure is applied for 15–25 Mg Ha⁻¹yr⁻¹. The Andisols in Lawu forest is mostly covered by Pine (Pinus merkusii) and the predominant horticulture vegetation developed in this area is Carrots (Daucus carota). The soil sampling was conducted through five replications for each site. The results showed a significant decreasing of organic P-content in the horticulture farming with more than 15 years of cultivation. The decreasing of organic-P content was correlated with the decreasing of organic-C content. There was a positive correlation between organic-P content and organic-C content as well as Fe-humus contents. However, the correlation between organic-P content and pH (H2O) remained negative.

The study aimed at examining the effect of different types of biochar-organic fertilizer and soil on the dynamics of soil organic matter. The incubation research of three types of infertile and low productivity soils (litosol, mediteran, regosol) was conducted in a greenhouse. There would be twelve applications of different treatments of biochar and organic fertilizer (single or mixed) with controls. The three kinds of biochar were rice husk, corn cob and jengkok (by product of cigarette industry) and the organic fertilizer was taken from organic waste compost and chicken manure mixed with rice husks. Biochar-organic fertilizer was mixed with soil 3.85 kg at 150 g pot⁻¹ (single) and 75 g pot⁻¹ (mixed) and incubated in 70–80% field capacity for 98 days in different pots. Soil organic carbon was observed after the incubations for 7, 14, 28, 56, and 98 days. The results showed that the highest increase in soil organic matter took place after the application of jengkok biochar or corncob biochar on clay textured soil, while the jengkok biochar or the corncob mix biochar and compost were applied on sandy soil. The highest Regosol soil organic matter of biochar tobacco was applied on the 14^th day until the 56^th day, and then the corncob mixture biochar and compost were applied on the 98^th day. The highest organic soil litosol material of biochar tobacco consisted of tobacco, corncob biochar, and biochar mixture of jengkok and compost at certain times. It could also be seen that the highest mediteran soil organic matter consisted of feeding biochar and corncob biochar.

Land management affected the physical, chemical and abundance of soil fauna. The aim of the study was to know differences of soil physical properties and abundance of soil fauna in conventional and organic rice field. Another aimed to know long term effect of organic farming to soil physical properties and abundance of soil fauna inrice field. This experiment used nested design which 3 location of sampling. The first location was in Imogiri Subdistrict with conventional rice field and 6 years of organic rice field applied. The second location was in Mojogedang Subdistrict with conventional rice field and 4 years of organic rice field applied. The third location was in Sawangan Subdisctrict with conventional rice field, 4 years and 10 years of organic rice field applied. Soil sample was taken in condition of after plough before planting, maximum plant vegetative phase and after harvesting. Organic rice field gave trend increased percentage of silt fraction and reduced percentage of sand fraction, increased aggregate stability of soil, increased abundance of earthworm, reduced abundance of plant parasitic nematode and increased non-parasitic nematode and increased soil respiration. Organic farming gave trend improving soil physical, chemical and biological parameters.

Application of organic fertilizers plays an important role in increasing nutrient availability to plants. However, external sources of C in organic farming must originate from nonsynthetic materials such as organic fertilizers or soil amendments. Goat manure and azolla green manure are widely available sources of organic fertilizers in the farmers village.The study was aimed to observe the effect of combined fertilizers dose of azolla and goat manure on N efficiency and to find the optimum dose ofthe fertilizers which gives the best rice growth and production. The experiment was located in farmers field of Sambirejo, Sragen, Indonesia. A completely randomized block design was implemented in the experiment with treatments of combined fertilizer dose between Azolla and goat manure. The treatments were : K₀A₀, K₀A₁, K₁A₀, K₁A₁, K₂A₀, K₂A₁ which is K: goat manure; A: Azolla (0 means 0 t/ha, 1 means: 3 t/ha, 2 means: 6 t/ha). The results showed that combined treatment of K₂A₀ and K₂A₁ produced highest N use fertilizer efficiency. No significant differences were found among the rice yield after the treatments, however treatment of K₂A₀ showed the optimum rice yield (6.8 t/ha).

Excessive tonnage of agricultural wastes from annual and field crops are generated yearly in Malaysia. The improper treatment such as open burning of residual biomass after the harvesting of rice plantcan affect global warming. The processing of agricultural wastes into biochar through pyrolysis has gained tremendous interest globally. A field trial to compare effectiveness on rice growth of variety MR 263 using rice husk and paddy straw biochar was determinedby application of four different rates of biochar 300 g, 600 g, 900 g and control (without biochar). Plant growth analysis based on average plant height was optimum with addition of 900 g rice husk biochar. A greenhouse trial using oil palm and rubber seedlings as indicatorswith application of 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 g rice husk biochar and paddy straw biochar to the soil showed the highest plant height for treatment with 10 g biochar, ranging from 64.7 to 68.9 cm. Plant heights were slightly lower at higher levels of biochar added. From this study, application of biochar to the growth medium increased soil fertility as indicated by growth enhancement in soils enriched with rice husk biochar and paddy straw biochar.

In organic farming investigations regarding environmental friendly methods of 'Pests Management' are of high importance. In order to replace synthetic pesticides, antagonistic insects were tested against White Fly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood) as well as plant oils. For enhancement of plant growth two different biostimulators based on humic acid ('Humintech' and 'Humentos') were used, the interaction with the antagonistic insects and the White Fly were investigated. As antagonistic insects, the parasitic wasp (Encarsia formosa Gahan) and the predatory assassin bug (Macrolophus pygmaeusRambur) were applied apart as well as in combination. In addition against the White Fly two plant oil compounds the Pine oil and the Castor oil were used and their effect on various stages of the White Fly's development, the adult insects, the parasitic activity and the predator performance were examined in both greenhouse and lab conditions. Under optimal growing conditions of the tomato plants, humic acid preparations 'Humintech' and 'Humentos' in concentration 0.005% as leaf application had no influence on the yield. However, 'Humentos' (0.05%) showed yield increasing effect on tomato plants under suboptimal cultivation conditions and three times application. Both predator insects' E. formosa and M.pygmaeus are capable to control population of the White Fly if duly applied. The best results were obtained in case of combination of both antagonists. Both oil preparations (the Pine oil and the Castor oil) had in concentration of 1% an insecticide effect on both larvae as well as adult insects of the White Fly. Best results were achieved with Pine oil a mortality rate of 80% was obtained. The humic acid preparation 'Humintech' showed repellent effect on the White Fly and its antagonists. As result of these researchcan be confirmed,that investigatedmethods of biological controlcan be applied in environment friendly cultivation oftomatoes in protected cultivation.

Botanical insecticides manufactured under the name of spinetoram, Solaris 6 SC® (75 ml.ha-1) and Capsoil 9,82 EC® (Capsicumm annum + mustard (Sinapis alba) + garlic (Allium sativum) (2 l.ha-1) were evaluated by comparing them with two homemade extracts: garlic extract + neem (Azadirachtaindica) + detergent (20 ml.l-1 water) and garlic extract + oregano (Origanumvulgare) + juanilama (Lippia alba) + rosemary (Rosmarinusofficinalis) (20 ml.l-1 water); and a control with the objective to evaluate the effectiveness of non-chemical alternatives to treat the Spodopterafrugiperda in the corn crops of the test field in Santa Cruz, Guanacaste which is owned by the University of Costa Rica. Results show that the best insecticide to control the immature fall armyworm is Solaris 6 SC®, followed by the insecticide made of garlic extract, neem, and detergent. Also, the natural parasitism of the S. frugiperda on the area not treated with pesticides reached values of 60% where the Chelonus sp. was the parasitoid that was present at all times. The performance of the areas treated with pesticides range from 153 and 180 quintals of fresh corn by hectare where the insecticide made of garlic extract, neem, and detergent (20 ml.l-1 water) reflected the higher production. The areas treated with Solaris 6 SC® had the less quantity of corn damaged by S. frugiperda and Helicoverpazea while the area treated with garlic extract + oregano + juanilama + rosemary had the greatest loss during this evaluation. Thus, the insecticide made of garlic extract, neem, and detergent is recommended because of its high capacity to kill S. frugiperda and other pests that affect the corncob, its higher performance it is more cost efficient for small farmers.

Northern leaf blight caused by Helminthosporiumturcicum is the most frequently occurring foliar diseases in sweet corn plants grown under humid environments. Finding an effective control measure for controlling the disease can be a challenging issue for organic growers. The present study was undertaken to investigate the potential use of plant products as the botanical fungicides for controlling northern leaf blight in sweet corn. The aqueous solutions of extracts mixture and its individual constituent extracts made from neem leaf, betel leaf, clove leaf, lemon grass leaf, and galangal rhizome were tested in petri dishes assay for their antifungal activity against H. turcicum. Lemongrass+galangal rhizome exhibited the most effective solution in suppressing the growth of H. turcicum (55%), as followed by galangal rhizome (50%), lemongrass+clove leaf (50%), betel leaf+galangal rhizome (50%), and cloveleaf+neem leaf(47.5%). Accordingly, these 5 solutions were selected and tested for their efficacy in controlling northern leaf blight on sweet corn plants under field condition. Lemongrass+galangal rhizome, galangal rhizome, lemongrass+clove leaf, betel leaf+galangal rhizome, and cloveleaf+neem leaf had similar effectiveness in reducing disease intensity ranged from 55% to 66% and leaf disease severity ranged from 44% to 52% as compared to the control. Betel leaf+galangal rhizome was relatively effective in reducing disease intensity (43.4%) but less effective in reducing leaf disease severity (24%). Application of the selected solution had reduced the ear length but improved the ear weight excluding betel leaf + galangal rhizome.

This study were aimed to determine the effect of soil tillage and herbicide on earthworm populations. The experiment was designed by using completely randomize block design with two factors, i.e.; soil tillage systems consists of full tillage (T₁) and minimum tillage (T₀) and herbicide application (H) consists of herbicide (H₁) and non-herbicide (H₀). Herbicides with isopropylamine glyphosate + 2.4D active ingredient was application as treatment at level dosage 160 mL per 16 L of water. Soil sampling by using monolith and earthworm were collect by hand sorting methods. The data were analyzed by ANOVA and LSD test. The results showed that the soil tillage has no effect on the population and biomass of earthworms, but application of herbicide affected on earthworm population at one day after herbicide application. Earthworm population were higher in plot with no herbicide application (86 ind·m⁻²) than that plot with herbicide application (33 ind·m⁻²). However, at all combination treatment, earthworm population were increase followed by cassava growth. Population and biomass of earthworms found to be higher in the soil layer 0–10 cm than that 10–20 cm and 20–30 cm soil layers. Furthermore, soil water content had correlation with earthworm population.

Organic agriculture has been associated with the change in soil characteristic and capability of supporting crop growth. The objective of this study was to determine the fluctuation of selected soil chemical properties as managed under organic agriculture system with different kinds of crop for eight years. Observations were carried out during 2013 to 2016 on soil samples collected for total organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphate, exchangeable K, exchangeable Al and pH, and crops yield. Total soil organic carbon ranged from 1.97 to 3.46%. Similar patterns were also exhibited by total N and exchangeable K in the range from 0.19 to 0.33 % and 0.22 to 0.44 cmol.kg⁻¹, respectively. Available P tended to increase linearly from 5.54 to 10.72 mg.kg⁻¹ as observed on exchangeable K. Soil pH increased in 2014 but tended to steady in the following years. In contrast, the exchangeable Al declined from 1.47 to 0.10 mg kg⁻¹. In all cases, the yield of crops in organic agriculture system was lower than that of conventional cropping system. Increasing rate of cow manure application was suggested.

In organic broiler production, one big factor in meeting the energy requirements of birds is through forage and concentrate feeds. In organic production, birds consume every kind of grass within the pasture. This study investigated the performance of slow growing broilers with an outdoor access, documenting the energy balance between slow growers in forage pasture. Four hundred slow growing broilers of Hubbard JA 957 strain were assigned to two Treatments. In Treatment 1, birds were placed in grass/white clover-covered plot and provided with 70 % concentrates adlibitum while in Treatment II, birds were placed in wheat stubble plot and received 35 % concentrate and 35% whole wheat. Each plot had an area of 25m × 10m and enclosed with nets. Results showed that slow growing broilers were not able to compensate their energy requirement resulting to poor weight. Nevertheless, the 70 % concentrates adlibitum diet in wheat stubble plot can be worthy recommendation for farmers since resulting growth rate showed optimistic outcome in terms of farm input due to manure accumulated by soil and an added income for farmers after harvest season.

Nowadays, the demand for organic melon increases along with the enhancement of people awareness of the role of organic products in human health. However, there is limited source of organic hormone to support organic cultivation. Therefore, this experiment aimed to identify endogenous hormone of shallot and to investigate the effect of the hormone on germination and the growth of melon (Cucumismelo). The results showed that 45 days and 80 days after harvest the shallot contained 3 types endogenous auxin hormones (Indole-3-Acetic Acid, 2.4 Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and a-Naphthalene Acitic Acid) and Cytokines (6- Benzyl Amino Purine). Overall, 45 days after harvest the shallot contained more hormones than it did 80 days after harvest (DAH). It contained 0.73-0.75 ppm Indole-3-acetic acid. Additionally, 0.85 ppm 6-Benzyl Amino Purine was detected in the shallot 45 DAH or 121% more than that found in the shallot 80 DAH. However, 2.4-Dicholophenoxy acetic acid and a-Naphthalene acitic acid were found only in the shallot 45 DAH. Extract of the shallot 45 DAH was applied on melon seeds by soaking them for 24 hours with different extraction methods (juicer and blender) and at several concentrations (75%, 50%, 25% and 12.5%). The shallot extract resulting from the juicer was effective to increase the germination rate, the fresh weight and the dry weight of melon plant. Meanwhile, there was not any significant difference among the different concentrations. It might be related to low concentration of the shallot extract. This experiment showed that the shallot extract was potential as organic hormone source.

The local genetic resourcesof rice was natural resources that need to be preserved from extinction. The aim of this research was to know the crop's preference and consumer preferences of20 local rice of genetic resources from Yogyakarta. The study was conducted from July to October 2016 in Selomartani, Kalasan, Sleman, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The research was conducted by planting 20 local rice genetic resources of repeated twice, using Integrated Crop management (ICM) with legowo planting system. Observations of plant performance included plant height, plant age, number of productive tillers, panicle length, leaf length, leaf width, grain amount of fill per panicle, 1000 grain weight and production. Data were analyzed using SAS software version 9.Consumer preferences for cropping are conducted directly with farmer, extension and related stakeholders' meetings on the level of consumer preference for agronomic cultivation of the local rice crops and to disseminate of specific local rice variety in Yogyakarta. Consumers/farmers meeting participants select the preferred local genetic resources of plant performance including age, plant height, number of tillers, panicles and production. Result of local rice consumers' preference in Yogyakarta by calculating frequency of emergence of local rice varieties selected and presented in histogram form.The results showed that the local rice varieties tested were found to differ according to the performance of the genetic potential of the Integrated Crop management (ICM) approach technology with legowo planting system. Three varieties of local rice farmers choice of crops with higher grain yield compared to Pandan Wangi (as a comparison) were "Mentiksusu", "Mentikputih" and "Gadingmlati". Four other local rice varieties with higher yields than Pandan Wangi (as a comparison) were "Lestari", "Ho-ingbatangbiru", "Sri kuning" and "Menur". Local rice varieties that have the highest yield are "Mentiksusu" varieties, 42.67% higher than Pandan Wangi (as comparison) having yield 6.42 tons/ha, with plant height 115.2 cm, number of tillers 15.6, panicle length 24.97 cm, leaf length 29.47 cm, leaf width 13 mm, grain content per panicle 127.8 and production of 6.42 tons/ha.

Edamame is a kind of soybean which is consumed as green vegetable. It is harvested when its pod is still fresh green colour at 58-65 days after cropping. This research aimed to evaluate production and quality of some edamame varieties as affected by residual effect of worm compost application. The research carried out at Mangli Village, Kaliwates, Jember, East Java on an irrigated field that has been used previously for research concerning utilizing of worm compost (Treatment-I). The research was designed factorial in complete randomized block consisted of two factors of treatment with three replications. The first factor was variety of edamame (V), includes: R75 (V1), R75/F2 (V2) and R76 (V3). The second factor was combination between worm compost and inorganic fertilizer, includes 100% N inorganic (C0), 50% N inorganic + 50% N worm compost (C1), 25% N inorganic +75 N worm compost (C2), and 100% N worm compost. (C3). The observed variables were crops growth components (crops height, number of productive branch and internodes), yield components (the weight of raw matter and export matter grades, pod size, fibre content, vitamin C and sugar content). The result indicated that there was interaction effect between varieties and worms compost on to weight of raw matter yield. Variety of R75 fertilized with doses of 75% worm compost and variety of R76 fertilized with 100% worm compost gave the best result for raw matter grade weight.

Currently, maize farming in dry land has important role in line with decreasing arable land area and the increasing need for food and animal feed industry. The proper dry land management is expected to respond and meet these needs. This study aims to determine the performance of dry land maize farming with biochar and manure, which results are expected to be a recommendation for dry land management in a sustainable manner. The research location is determined purposively and the total sample is 150 respondents. Captured data includes primary data that is strengthened by the support of secondary data. This method of data analysis is using analysis of farming. The results showed that the farming maize dry land in this study showed a good performance based on indicators of revenue cost ratio > 1, gross margin cost ratio is positive and has more than bank interest rate applicable. The use of labour is a classified productive number as well as the standard of output and revenue. The value of the break-even point is far below the average output value and selling price. Therefore, the maize farming in dry land with biochar and manure in this study is feasible to develop.

Bangkit Merbabu is a farmer's group which was developed in 2008 in Batur Village, Getasan Sub-district, Semarang Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. Farmers were working together to increase soil vertility and environmental health by developing vegetable organic farming. Their hard working on vegetable organic farming was regionally and nationally well-known after receiving organic certification in 2012. The Indonesian Soil Research Institute (ISRI), Bogor had developed mutual cooperation with this farmer's group in doing observation and research activities related to organic vegetable farming development. This cooperation activity was held in 2013-2015 and supported by Asian Food and Agriculture Cooperation Initiative (AFACI), Korea. This paper presents part of the activity results, in particular related to productivity, profitability and marketing of organic vegetable produced by farmer's group based on observation conducted in the last year of cooperation. It was observed that productivity and profitability of organic vegetable farming was relatively higher than non-organic vegetable farming. However, its marketing system was still a constraint in the development of organic farming. Biophysically, organic vegetable farming could increase soil chemical and biological fertility. Hence, it could improve land environment.

Though organic farming principles are good in food production, quality, and longterm sustainability; its impacts are only at theoretical level. The very slow rate of its uptake and application makes us rethink the current strategies followed at all levels of the organic cycle. Possible reasons include less representable, intercommunicable and usable data with fewer studies focussed on long term variation parameters on open fields and their effects on the system as a whole. The findings of current research studies based on the micro views of scientific principles with few factors in space-time controlled, semi-controlled and small open field environments, are not quickly adaptable at open field level. As open fields are vastly managed by natural system's unpredictable and ever-changingbehavior, they are difficult to understand and apply by the practitioners who are tied to the socio-economic factors. Our new research methodology focuses in making both ends meet by using real-time application of latest technologies such as electronic and information technology in the field, easing the handling of data and operations of the organic practitioner at both micro and macro levels. This method, when combined with a macro view and analyses of natural system principles as a whole, helps reduce not only the failures and their causes but also increases the productivity, quality, and sustainability at all spheres of the organic system. The results of the research conducted are recorded keeping the system as a whole entity taken from open field experiments on it. This involves experiments using different combinations of physical (land and water) and biological (ecosystem) factors. Then using those results on humans, their health and socioeconomic impacts are studied to improve the organic system process at all levels.

Since the 1950s Green Revolution "conventional" agrochemical-dependent farming has grown substantially in Thailand. Adverse impacts have been natural resources depletion, environmental pollution, deforestation, food contamination and public health concerns. Thai higher education institutions (HEIs) have contributed to problems, promoting agrochemical-dependent farming with limited attention to organic agriculture (OA). Our paper examines how Thai HEIs incorporate OA into curricula and extension services, and how students perceive the value and adequacy of OA courses and training. It reviews policy and syllabus documents among 49 HEIs. Our analysis suggests most universities still do not view OA as a priority. Second, we examine student and graduate perceptions to illustrate national challenges. A survey of senior undergraduate students and recent alumni in one HEI showed both groups believed they did not have sufficient lectures or courses in OA or adequate resources and training to pursue an OA-related career after graduation. Current students viewed inadequacies even greater. Our conclusions suggest Thai HEIs must do more to reform programs, improve OA curricula and better support graduates. More research is needed to gather detailed and refined information from university agriculture education program administrators and documents with more qualitative and quantitative data on students from other Thai Universities.

Maintenance of environmental production is important to increase rice production. This study aimed to determine the effects of organic fertilizers application on nitrogen uptake, nitrogen availability and the abundance of soil fauna in paddy field. This study used Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) factorial with combination treatments of cow manure, neem compost and straw compost in two kind of dosage application at 10 tons·ha⁻¹ and 20 tons·ha⁻¹ with three replications in each treatments. The total treatments were 14 and one control. The observed parameters were pH, soil organic matter, available-N, soil total N, total N and N-uptake in plant tissues, non-parasites nematode and agronomic observations. The data obtained from the experiment were analysed by analysis of variance using SAS 9.1 software. The differences of treatments have a significant effect in several chemical properties i.e. potential pH, soil organic matter, available-N, soil total N, plant total N and N-uptake, and biological properties. The results of N-uptake in the vegetative phase, as well as plant height and number of tillers indicate that the best dosage that can be achieved in this study was the application of neem compost 20 tons·ha⁻¹ with rice production at 4.6 tons·ha⁻¹.

The research entitled "The Effect of Cow Manure and Neem Compost Toward NPK Uptake, Soil Respiration, and Rice Production in Organic Paddy Field in Imogiri Bantul" aims to recognize the effect of organic manure to soil respiration and the uptake of NPK and to compare between cow manure and neem compost which are able to provide NPK and efficiency of optimum uptake on rice. This research was conducted in Organic Field at Kebon Agung, ImogiriSubdistrict, Bantul Regency by using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with seven treatments and threereplications. The results showed that neem compost treatment has increased soil organic matter, soil CEC, total N, available N and K, P uptake, plant height and number of tiller. Using neem compost 15 ton/ha, showed better plant height, number of tiller and rice productivity.

Nitrogen is the most limiting element for organic crop production. Hence, application of organic fertilizer is one of the key factor to enhance productivity and improve soil quality, especially in organic farming. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of organic fertilizer application on Nitrogen uptake and yield of two different rice varieties. Field experiment was conducted using Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD) with two factors and three replications. The first factorwasvarious fertilizers (P) i.eNeem cake (Azadirachtaindica) 5 tons ha⁻¹, Azollamicrophylla 5 tons ha⁻¹, cow manure 5 tons ha⁻¹ and inorganic NPK fertilizer 225 Kg ha⁻¹ as a comparison. Second factor wasrice varieties (V) i.e var. Ciherang and var. Menthiksusu. Plots without fertilizer treatments were served as control. The results showed that treatments were not significantly affected N available and N uptake. Higher Nitrogen uptake and grain yield were showed by Neem cake and var.With considerably high Nitrogen uptake and rice grain yield, combination between Neem cake and rice var. MenthikSusu have a prospect as a solution to maintain soil quality and yield in organic farming.

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of organic fertilizer and volcanic ash as composting material on growth and yield of red chili. This research was conducted in the village Payung, District of Tanah Karo, North Sumatera Province, started from May to September 2015. This research consists of several steps, those were the producing of the compost, analysis of chemical composition, and biological test by cultivating chilli seeds using organic fertilizer and compost of volcanic ash. Factorial randomized block design consisting of two factors and three replications namely organic fertilizer consisted of 3 levels is used on the experiment; without organic fertilizer, with organic fertilizer 5, 10 and 15ml/l, and compost of volcanic ash consists of 3 levels; without compost of volcanic ash, 1, 2 and 3 kg / m². The data were analyzed with the variance α = 5% and continued by Duncan's Multiple Range Test α = 5%. The results showed that using of volcanic dust as composting matter had no statistically significant increase growth and yield of red chilli. Based on the results, chemical analysis of the soil showed improvement in soil fertility. The effect of organic fertilizer gave a real contribution to the plant height, the number of productive branches, fruit weight, also wet root weight and dry root weight.

Soybean is leguminous crop requiring large quantity of N nutrient. The N requirement in soybean crops can be fulfilled through N₂ fixation by root nodules. Root nodules can develop through the symbiosis of soybean crops with Rhizobium bacteria. This study aimed to identify the effects of paddy straw compost application on nitrogen fixation and physiological character in Baluran, Tanggamus, Seulawah, Grobogan cultivars of soybean crops.The study was conducted at regosol soil in Banguntapan, Yogyakarta.Result has showed that paddy straw compost dosage may increase soybean capabilityto perform nitrogen fixation,indicated by the variables of total root nodules, root nodule dry weight, andnitrogenase activity. Paddy straw applicationhas not provided significant effect on total chlorophyl content, leaf greeness, water content in leaf, transpiration rate and CO₂ content in leaf, but has given significant effect on net assimilation rate of the crops.

The aim of this study was to produce high quality compost and to interpret data during the composting process. Compost materials used in the composting were carbon-rich materials, nitrogen, and goat dung, added with topsoil from garden, rice husk, cow urine, and EM₄ (microorganism effective 4). The method used was Indore method. The principle of this method is by placing every material in layers in a certain width, starting with carbon-rich material, nitrogen-rich material, goat dung, top soil, rice husk, and cow urine up to the surface of the compost bin. All the materials were watered until saturated condition. Incubation of compost took time 1.5 months. Data collected during the incubation process were temperature, moisture content, population of soil fungi and soilworms, compost texture, colour, pH, and nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) contents. The results were as followed: temperature 37°C, moisture content 62%, population of fungus ++, population of soilworm +, the color black to brown, texture coarse to fine, no stingy smell, pH 7.0, and high N, P, K levels. The conclusions were that the compost was high in quality, all qualitative and quantitative data were correlated with the standards of a high quality compost.

This study aims to determine the effect of organic fertilizer on kinetics of potassium release and uptake and to find the best kinetic models describing K release from soils. The treatments included control, inorganic fertilizer, 10 ton/ha cow manure, 5 ton·ha⁻¹ green manure, and 7.5 ton·ha⁻¹ cow + green manure (2:1). The experiment was analyzed using RCBD with three replications. The kinetics of non-exchangeable K release was extracted with 0.01 M CaCl₂for 2hto 168 h and data of K release were fitted to five mathematical models: zero-order reaction, first-order reaction, power function equation, parabolic diffusion and Elovich equation. The results showed that plant and root-K uptake from control, inorganic fertilizer, cow manure, green manure and cow + green manure were respectively 45.16; 62.33; 61.46; 55.66; 68.89 mg/clump and 15.63; 23.09; 44.91; 17.53; 23.41 mg/clump. The treatments were not significant on plant uptake, root uptake and K release so organic fertilizer can be used to replace inorganic fertilizer application. Among the five equations, power function best described the K release pattern with R-square was 0.50. The constant b, an index of K release rate, ranged from 0.003 to 0.018 ppm·h⁻¹ in the power function model.

The objective of the research was to study the effect of using azolla as organic fertilizer and plant spacing toward (i) N and P uptake, (ii) soil compaction and (iii) the yield of Pandanwangi rice. The research was conducted using Completely Block Randomized Design (CRBD) with 6 replicates of 2 factors combination. The first factor was doze of Azolla organic fertilizer consisted two levels were 2.5% and 5% of soil weight. The second factor was plant spacing consisted of three levels were 25cm × 25cm, 30cm ×30cm and 40cm × 40cm. Data was analysed by F test and if there were any significant effects then it was continued by using Duncan'n Multiple Range Test (α=5%). The result of this research showed that application of azolla organic fertilizer as much 5% of soil weight was able to increase N uptake and weight of grain per hill. The application of azolla organic fertilizer to all doze treatments was also able to reduce the soil compaction. The largest of plant spacing treatments was able to increase (i) N and P uptake, and (ii) weight of grain per hill.

Majority paddy fields in Indonesia are cultivated under conventional management practices. Recently, organic farming has been developed due to a high demand of more healthy food and soil fertility improvement of farmer field. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to investigate N₂O emission from organic (O) and conventional rice field (K) collected from Sragen (S, soils with clay texture) and Magelang (M, soils with coarse texture) region. The soils were treated with different duration of flooding, i.e., no flooding (P0), flooding 2 weeks (P2), and flooding 4 weeks (P4). The result showed that there were no significant differences on N₂O emission among the treatments in this study. However, N₂O emission (kg N ha⁻¹) was emitted more significant in organic than in conventional management practice in both regions. N₂O emission (kg N ha⁻¹) showed the highest value (0.39 – 1.21) when soil was flooded during 2 weeks. Interestingly, N₂O emissions from both regions showed the same trend, neglected their different soil texture.

This research aimed to study the effect of no-tillage and bagasse mulching on the population and biomass of earthworm in sugarcane plantation for six years application. The experiment was conducted in 2010 (plant cane, 1^st period); the first sampling in July 2011; plant cane, period in August 2014 and the last in August 2016 (ratoon 1, 2^nd period) at sugarcane plantation in Sumatra, Indonesia. The treatments were soil tillage as the main plot i.e. (conventional tillage and no-tillage) and bagasse mulch as the sub-plot i.e. 80 mg bagasse ha⁻¹yr⁻¹ in 2010–2014 and 70 mg bagasse ha⁻¹ in 2015, and with no bagasse mulch. The results showed that in the first sampling, from July 2011 to July 2013, all treatments did not significantly affect earthworm population and biomass. On ratoon 3^rd, application of bagasse mulching started to show a significant effect on it, in which revealing significantly higher of earthworm population and biomass than that in without bagasse mulch. In 2015–2016, the effect of bagasse mulching on earthworm population was more pronounce than that in control treatment. Treatment of no-tillage after six years application gave higher population of earthworm than that of conventional tillage after six year application.

Indonesia nowadays is in the modernization era, whereas lifestyle in consuming food is changed. The Indonesian want their food in good quality and save to consume. It means that the food should be produced following the rules of organic farming and environmental friendly. Organic vegetable has been known in Java in Indonesia, otherwise the farming practices do not widely apply. The organic vegetable production in Java started in 1984. Since then, the organic vegetable production has been growing and the number of organic growers increase. The growth of organic farming is happened because the farming directly connects to the captive market. Income of such organic growers increase. However, mostly chili growers in Java are still conducting conventional farming. The farmers feel that the organic vegetable productionis more complicated, expensive and of high risk. Farmers remain using pesticides even it is dangerous for their health and products. Chili markets in general do not differentiate between organic and non-organic one. Therefore, there are no incentives for the common organic chili farmers. However, the market for 'Organic'-chilli is growing faster in urban regions in particular in some supermarkets there. Nevertheless, government supports are needed to accelerate the dissemination of organic technologies, solve the problems faced by farmers as well as supporting the marketing. In that way, the organic vegetable will increase the welfare of consumers and producers.