Journal of Applied Agricultural Science and Technology

The Impact of Biopesticide Application on Arthropod Composition in Surjan Cropping System in Kulonprogo Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta

Wagiyana Wagiyana — 2025-08-24

Surjan is a specific type of cropping system that is part of a local wisdom practice found in Kulonprogo Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta. The cropping system employs a polyculture system with a raised-sunken bed configuration. In ancient times, this system was initiated as a conservation initiative in the event of drought. In the context of agroecosystems, defined as the interaction between biotic and abiotic components, arthropods serve as indicators of the biotic components of the agricultural environment. The presence of arthropods is influenced by the use of synthetic pesticides. In response to the use of synthetic pesticides, biopesticides are frequently used as a countermeasure. The present study aims to ascertain the impact of biopesticide applications on the composition of arthropods in agricultural land that utilizes surjan cropping system configuration. This study was conducted on the surjan cropping system in Kulonprogo Regency, which is predominantly characterized by the cultivation of rice and shallots. The biopesticide used in this study was a group of fungi, namely Trichoderma harzianum and Metarhizium anisopliae. These organisms function as bioprotectants and biofertilizers. The findings indicate that surjan cropping system, when accompanied by biopesticide utilization, yield a greater diversity of arthropod species in comparison to surjan cropping system that employs synthetic pesticides. In agricultural land with surjan system configuration and biopesticide applications, certain arthropods function as predators, parasitoids, and bioindicators. The most prevalent arthropod species identified is Verania sp. (Coleoptera; Coccinelidae), with a total of 68 individuals. The present study has yielded findings indicating a correlation between the application of surjan cropping system and the utilization of biopesticides in land cultivated with a specificcrops and the composition of arthropods in the environment.

Transesterification of Palm Olein to Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (POle-ME) Using Base Catalysts

Ratri Retno Utami — 2025-08-24

Palm olein esters are potentially convertible into epoxy oil, which can serve as a plasticizer. Palm olein can be reacted with alcohol in the presence of a base catalyst in a process named transesterification. This study aimed to investigate the application of palm olein to produce fatty acid methyl esters (POLe-ME) using sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide as catalysts, which are then evaluated for their potential as plasticizers. The research process involved selecting raw materials based on the iodine and acid numbers. Subsequently, transesterification was conducted using 1% base catalysts. The characterization of POle-ME included evaluating its acid number, iodine number, viscosity, fatty acid composition, and functional groups. The findings indicate that using a molar ratio of oil to methanol of 1:6 and potassium hydroxide as a catalyst achieved the highest yield at 94.99%. The produced POle-ME exhibited a peak at 1436 cm^-1, indicating the presence of a methyl ester functional group. The fatty acid composition of POle-ME consisted predominantly of oleic unsaturated fatty acid (C18:1) at 49.13%. Additionally, POle-ME exhibited an iodine number of 60.42, an acid number of 1.395, and a viscosity of 7.16 mPa·s, indicating its potential as a raw material for epoxy oil (plasticizer) production.

Sustainable Competitiveness of Red Onion through Collective Action of Farmers in West Sumatra

Silfia Silfia — 2025-08-24

The competitiveness and sustainability of agriculture are closely related to small-scale farming efforts. This research contributes to the transformation of individual farmers into a collective for small-scale farm enterprises, which face constraints necessitating the development of synergies. This is particularly relevant for red onion farmers in the high plains of the Gumanti Valley, Western Sumatra. The research questions are: How do the community's strengths sustain competitiveness and sustainability? What strategies can be formulated to enhance these aspects for the red onion farming community? The study aims to explore the strengths of onion farmers' communities and strategies to reinforce them, thereby promoting sustainability and competitiveness. Conducted in the agricultural area of the Gumanti Valley district of Solok Province from 2019 to 2020, this descriptive research employs CEEI, SWOT, and QSPM methodologies. The findings indicate that the competitiveness and sustainability of the red onion business have improved, with increases observed in collective innovation, supply chain management, and access to economic resources and opportunities, leading to enhanced income accumulation and profit sharing.

The Application of Nanotechnology-Based Liquid Organic Fertilizer for Improving the Quality of Hydroponically Grown Vegetables

Resti Fevria — 2025-08-24

Hydroponics, a farming technique using nutrient-enriched water, has been widely practiced due to its suitability for limited agricultural land. One of the key factors affecting hydroponic efficiency is the nutrient blend, with AB Mix and liquid organic fertilizer playing a crucial role. This study aims to evaluate the potential of nanotechnology-based nutrient solution in hydroponic to enhance nutrient absorption and improve plant growth in different vegetable species. Five vegetable species, which include red lettuce, red spinach, green spinach, pakcoy, and kailan, were selected to assess the interaction between nutrient composition and vegetable species. A study with factorial design was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The primary factor was the fertilizer composition and the secondary factor was the type of vegetable. The treatments consisted of Control (Well water + AB Mix), P1 (Nanotechnology water + 100% AB Mix), P2 (Nanotechnology water + 25% nanotechnology liquid organic fertilizer + 75% AB Mix), P3 (Nanotechnology water + 50% nanotechnology liquid organic fertilizer + 50% AB Mix), P4 (Nanotechnology water + 75% nanotechnology liquid organic fertilizer + 25% AB Mix), and P5 (Nanotechnology water + 100% nanotechnology liquid organic fertilizer). Growth parameters measured included plant height, fresh weight, dry weight, number of leaves, and leaf area. Data were evaluated using a two-way ANOVA to assess the effects of fertilizer composition and vegetable type, followed by a 5% DMRT test for mean comparison. The findings indicated that the use of liquid organic fertilizer technology influenced plant growth. The most optimal average growth was recorded in the P2 treatment (a combination of nanotechnology water, 25% nanotechnology liquid organic fertilizer, and 75% AB Mix), while the least favorable result was observed in P5 (nanotechnology water combined with 100% nanotechnology liquid organic fertilizer).

Topsoil Thickness and Its Chemical Properties between Tea Plantation and Bare Land on Different Slopes

Faris Nur Fauzi Athallah — 2025-08-24

Land degradation in Indonesia is often attributed to human activities and high rainfall. The existence of forest land clearing and conversion into non-agricultural land causes topsoil erosion and structural damage, reducing the capacity to hold water and nutrients. The phenomenon contributes to the degradation of tea (Camellia sinensis) plantation, showing the need to improve agricultural land by maintaining soil ecosystems. Therefore, this study aimed to compare soil from tea plantation with bare land on two different slopes based on the chemical quality at Gambung Tea Plantation, Research Institute for Tea and Cinchona. The selected land slope was gentle (0 - 8%) and steep (30 - 40%), producing four environmental combinations. Soil sampling was carried out in two different layers, at 0 - 20 cm and 20 - 40 cm. The experimental parameters observed were topsoil thickness, soil water content, pH, and soil nutrients. The results showed that in steep slope land conditions, tea cover crops maintained topsoil with a thickness of 15.01 cm compared to bare land. This corresponded to topsoil degradation of 19.6% compared to gently slope topographic conditions. In gently slope conditions, both types of land cover did not show significant differences. Tea plant cover maintained better soil water content and reduced soil N loss, although steep slopes showed lower soil nutrient content due to absorption.

Investigation of the Effect of Heating Duration in Gambier (Uncaria gambir Roxb.) Processing on Its Phytochemical Composition and the Resulting Characteristics of a Gambier-based Acne Balm Product

Rilvi Muhammad Tio — 2025-08-24

Gambier (Uncaria gambir Roxb.) contains potent bioactive compounds with strong natural antimicrobial properties, making it a promising ingredient for acne treatment. However, its application in topical formulations remains limited due to a lack of understanding regarding the impact of processing conditions, particularly heating, on its functional efficacy. This study investigated the effect of heating duration on the characteristics of an acne treatment balm formulated with black cube gambier. Experiments using a completely randomized design (CRD) were carried out for 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes of heating durations to evaluate the balm's physical, chemical, and microbial properties. The results demonstrate that heating duration significantly influenced key parameters, including homogeneity, spreadability, melting point, irritation potential, texture, color, pH, total phenol content, and antibacterial activity (p < 0.05). The most optimal results were obtained at 120 minutes, yielding a balm with superior homogeneity, spreadability (4.47 cm), melting point (50°C), pH (7.44), total phenol content (54.28%), and diameter of the inhibition zone (16.35 mm). FTIR analysis confirmed an increase in phenolic compound stability, indicating enhanced antibacterial potential. These findings suggest that extended heating duration improves the stability and performance of gambier-based formulations. The optimized acne balm formulation highlights the potential of locally sourced gambier as a natural, eco-friendly acne treatment. Further research is recommended to evaluate product shelf-life, consumer acceptability, and industrial scalability.

Phytochemical Profile and Antioxidant Activity of Ethanolic Extracts from Selected Wild Medicinal Plants: Azadirachta indica, Acalypha indica, and Muntingia malabura

Nadya Rizkita — 2025-08-24

Azadirachta indica, Acalypha indica, and Muntingia calabura are wild plants with antioxidant content capable of treating various diseases. This study aims to evaluate phytochemical compound screening using qualitative tests and to characterize them using FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) in Azadirachta indica, Acalypha indica, and Muntingia Calabura, as well as to assess total phenolic content (TPC), flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant potential. The results showed that Azadirachta indica and Acalypha indica contained alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, phenols, glycosides, steroids, and carbohydrates but lacked proteins and triterpenoids. In contrast, Muntingia Calabura leaf extract lacked glycosides, triterpenoids, and carbohydrates. The highest TPC content in Muntingia Calabura extract was 269.88±0.00 mg GAE/gr extract, and the highest TFC was found in Azadirachta indica extract at 676.34±21.85 mg CE/gr extract. The ethanol extract of Azadirachta indica and Muntingia Calabura leaves has very strong antioxidant activity, with IC₅₀ values of 32.76 ± 3.02 ppm and 31.16 ± 1.96 ppm, respectively, while Acalypha indica had an IC₅₀ value of 107.71 ± 3.55 ppm, indicating a moderate level of antioxidant activity. These results support the potential of the three medicinal plants as sources of natural antioxidants. The findings can stimulate further research to isolate key bioactive compounds and perform toxicity tests to support potential applications in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Physicochemical Properties of Edible Films Prepared from Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) Starch Extracted through Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE)

Mimi Harni — 2025-08-24

Plastic is a commonly used packaging material due to its cheap and wide availability, especially in the food industry. However, plastic is non-biodegradable, leading to a serious problem to the environment from its widespread use. Using starch-based edible films as an alternative to plastic packaging offers a solution to this problem. As opposed to conventional methods of starch extraction for edibles, modern methods such as microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) can improve the functional properties of starchThis research aimed to determine the physicochemical properties of edible films from starch extracted through MAE. The study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with three treatments based on the amount of added starch, namely, Treatment A (3%), Treatment B (4%), and Treatment C (5%). The results from these treatments were compared against control (without MAE). Observations were conducted in triplicate, including parameters such as solubility, thickness, water holding capacity (WHC), oil holding capacity (OHC), and water content. Treatment A (3%) was found to be the best treatment, with a solubility of 76.55%, a thickness of 0.243 mm, a WHC of 38.56%, an OHC of 36.67%, and a water content of 13.79%.

Analysis of the Chemical Content of Coconut Husk as a Raw Material for Furfural Production

Dewi Arziyah — 2025-08-24

Coconut-based production generates waste such as coconut husk, which contains up to 35% lignocellulose—a valuable raw material for furfural production. This study aimed to determine the impact of coconut maturity level and coconut husk section on the lignocellulose content in coconut husk. This study used a randomized group design with two factors: coconut maturity level and coconut husk section. The variables observed were moisture, extractive, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin contents. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was performed for data analysis, followed by Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The coconut fruits used were immature and mature ones. This study analyzed the husk at the proximal end, equator, and distal end of the coconut fruit. The results show significant effects of coconut maturity level on the chemical composition of coconut husk at the three sections of the coconut, indicating coconut husk’s potential as a raw material for furfural production.

The Effect of Media Composition on the Growth of Fig (Ficus carica L.) Grafts

Didik Pudji Restanto — 2025-08-26

The fig plant is cultivated for its fruit due to its high economic value. Vegetative propagation can serve as an alternative for mass propagation of fig plants, such as grafting. Vegetative propagation of figs is conducted in several ways, including grafting and cuttings. The problems encountered in grafting are mainly caused by unsuitable media conditions. This research aims to determine the best composition of grafting media for fig plants. The study was conducted in Dwiwangsa Tin Garden Park, Sidomulyo Village, Krian District, Sidoarjo Regency, East Java. Rainfall at the research site was classified as dry season, with 0 mm in October 2023, 7 mm in November 2023, 150 mm in December 2023, 211 mm in January 2024, and 485 mm in February 2024. The research employed a randomized block design (RBD) consisting of nine media combination treatments. The treatments included soil medium, husk medium, husk charcoal medium, cocopeat medium, sawdust sewing powder medium, a combination of soil and husk medium (1:1), a combination of soil and charcoal husk medium (1:1), a combination of soil and cocopeat medium (1:1), and a combination of soil and sawdust medium (1:1). Each grafting medium showed a different growth response in terms of root number. Based on the results, the husk charcoal medium produced the highest values, with 89.8 roots, root length of 7.24 cm, root diameter of 1.38 cm, root fresh weight of 5.22 g, root volume of 7.7 ml, and root dry weight of 0.37 g.

Analysis Bio-oil of Pyrolysis Production Process from Corn Cobs

Sri Aulia Novita — 2025-08-28

Corn cobs are converted into bio-oil through pyrolysis using a simple pyrolysis apparatus at temperatures ranging from 300 to 400°C. This study evaluates the efficiency of the pyrolysis system, characterizes the compounds in corn cob bio-oil, and analyzes the economic viability of the method. The methods include the raw materials preparation (through drying and size reduction), development of bio-oil production equipment, implementation of pyrolysis and condensation processes, purification of the resulting bio-oil, compound analysis of the bio-oil, performance evaluation of the equipment, and engineering economic analysis. The successful production of high-quality bio-oil depends heavily on the precise and careful installation of all system components, including the pyrolysis reactor, smoke pipe, tar catcher, condenser, coil pipe, outlet pipe, liquid smoke container, water drum, and combustion furnace. The tool has a production capacity ranging from 0.89 to 0.96 kg per hour, with a coefficient of determination of 97.94%, and produced a yield of 32% to 34%. The bio-oil derived from corn cobs contained several compounds, including acetic acid, methyl ester, decenal, methyl 9,9-dideutero-octadecanal, phenol, 1-octanol, 2-butyl, 2-heptadecanone, myristaldehyde, octadecane, 1-chloro, and 1,9-tetradecadiene. The basic operating cost of the equipment is Rp 18,509.28 per kilogram, with a break-even point (BEP) of 238.43 kg per year. The basic production cost represents the minimum selling price required to achieve profitability. Biomass pyrolysis is a crucial thermal conversion technique with significant industrial and economic potential.

Analysis of Constant Values of Leaves of the Durian Cultivars Monthong and Bawor Using Digital Image Processing

Bayu Dwi Arfiyanto — 2025-08-28

Durian (Durio zibethinus), particularly the cultivars Monthong and Bawor, is a leading horticultural commodity with high economic value. Accurate leaf area estimation is essential for supporting physiological studies and plant growth modeling. However, conventional measurement methods are often characterized by their slow and destructive nature. This study aimed to analyze and identify the constant (k) values of the leaves of durian cultivars Monthong and Bawor using a digital image processing approach. A total of 40 leaf samples from each cultivar were analyzed. Image acquisition was performed using a smartphone camera, while image processing and leaf area measurement were conducted with the ImageJ software. The leaf constant was calculated as the ratio of the digitally measured leaf area to the product of manually measured leaf length and width. The results showed that the mean leaf constant for Monthong durian was 0.702, while for Bawor durian, it was 0.691. These results exhibited narrow value distributions, devoid of any outliers. The correlation between the measured and predicted leaf area yielded very high coefficients of determination (R² of 0.997 for cultivar Monthong and R² of 0.999 for cultivar Bawor). Further statistical evaluation confirmed that the predictive model had very high accuracy, evidenced by its low RMSE values (≤ 1.059), an NRMSE of 0.01, an NSE of at least 0.997, and a Willmott’s index of agreement (d) of at least 0.999. These results indicate that leaf constant values derived from digital image processing can generate precise leaf area estimates and offer a fast, efficient, and non-destructive alternative to conventional measurement methods. In practical terms, this approach enhances precision agriculture by enabling more accurate monitoring of leaf growth dynamics, which is essential for crop management and yield optimization. This finding presents opportunities for further application across other durian cultivars and the broader adoption of similar methods in other plant commodities within the context of precision agriculture and plant growth modeling.

Characterization of the Chemical Components of Various Onion Species in West Sumatra

Fenita Miati — 2025-08-31

Various types of onions have long been utilized as both culinary ingredients and traditional medications, yet comprehensive comparative data on their chemical composition and antioxidant potential in Indonesia are limited. This study provides the first integrated analysis of six onion species cultivated in West Sumatra, namely, shallot (A. cepa var. ascalonicum), garlic (A. sativum), common onion (A. cepa L.), Dayak onion (Eleutherine palmifolia), chive (A. tuberosum), and leek (A. fistulosum L.). Physicochemical properties were determined through proximate analysis, antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH assay and expressed as IC₅₀ values, and lipid-based phytochemical profiles were obtained via Bligh and Dryer extraction, followed by GC–MS. Data were processed and visualized in RStudio. The results indicate that chive exhibited the highest moisture (93.57%) and fat (4.15%) contents, whereas Dayak onion contained the highest amounts of ash (6.29%) and protein (8.74%). Dayak onion exhibited strong antioxidant activity (84.85 ppm), whereas common onion, shallot, and leek demonstrated weak antioxidant activity. Cis-vaccenic acid was the dominant compound in shallot (37.59%) and leek (31.19%), and D-limonene was the dominant compound in Dayak onion (22.39%) and chive (21.16%). The study findings highlight that the Dayak onion is a promising indigenous source of natural antioxidant for functional food and herbal product development, while providing novel baseline phytochemical data for advancing onion bioactivity and biodiversity research.