Introduction:

Manufactured fertilizers have been used widely in Sarawak pepper planting for commercial markets production. Due to heavy rainfall in Sarawak and unsustainable fertilizer management practices in some part of pepper planting areas, infertile soil is one of the many challenges in producing high yield of pepper. Excessive use of inorganic fertilizers to produce high yield of pepper is not only a waste of resources but contributes to environmental pollution. Balanced manuring to increase soil fertility is important in Sarawak pepper planting. It has been documented that the use of organic fertilizer such as compost is used apart from green leaves to replenish soil nutrient status. The judicious use of organic fertilizer combined with inorganic fertilizer is the most efficient and economical method in most crop production.

The aim of this study is to reduce reliance on using inorganic fertilizers in black pepper planting in Sarawak. Compost could increase soil fertility through slow release of nutrients such as N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na and S, besides its potential as a soil amendment in improving soil properties by reducing soil bulk density and increase soil pH. The justification of using compost in Sarawak pepper cultivation is compost could supply humus substances to soil, thus supplementing major plant nutrients apart from being a good source for providing micronutrients which are deficient due to intensive cropping and high productivity targets. In addition, inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhiza (AMF) in black pepper has been found to enhance growth and produce healthy cuttings of black pepper. AMF inoculation significantly improved root characteristics and P uptake by crop plants beside an increased in their growth and yield including in pepper plants. Thus, with proper application of compost and inoculation with AMF, the yield of Sarawak pepper is expected to be better and further improved.

For more further enquiries:

Dr. John Keen Chubo
Senior Lecturer
Department of Forestry Science
Faculty of Agricultural Science and Forestry
Tel: +6086 855470
Email: johnkeen@upm.edu.my

Updated:: 01/09/2020 [lanz]