Pistia Stratiotes Utilization to Improve the Straw Compost Quality

Pistia has no economic value. However, when mixed into straw compost, it tends to enhance its quality. Therefore, this study aims to determine how the Pistia mixture can improve the straw compost quality, thereby increasing rice production. The treatments consisted of soil (control) in values of P100, P75 + J25, P50 + J50, P25 + J75, J100, and NPK. The quality of compost observed was: N, P, K, C/N, lignin, polyphenols, cellulose, and organic matter content. N cumulative and N mineralization rate observed in the second stage was carried out at the incubation 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks, N mineralization, N uptake, N absorption efficiency, growth, and yield as variables observed in the third stage. This research was conducted to determine the effect of adding a compost mixture with Pistia and straw towards the efficiency, growth, and production of upland rice plants. The results showed that the more Pistia mixed in the straw, the better the compost quality, growth, and yield above J100. N uptake was associated very strongly with the number of panicles and total dry weight of the plant.