Evaluation of Organic Matter for Enhancing the Agro-physiological Traits of Rice cv. Banyuasin Planted under Saline Conditions

Salinity stress can inhibit the metabolic processes in plants via ionic stress, osmotic stress, and ion imbalance, affecting their agro-physiology. The application of organic matter (OM) in the planting media can improve soil quality so the plants can grow and develop optimally. Therefore, the use of superior rice variety as well as good land management, can be a solution for rice cultivation under saline conditions. This study evaluated the application of various sources of OM under saline conditions and their influence on the agro-physiological traits of rice cv. Banyuasin. This study was conducted from March to August 2021 using a pot experiment in the screen house of Universitas Perjuangan Tasikmalaya. Treatment was performed using one factor, types of OM, and four types (cow manure, rice husk, rice straw, and Azolla pinnata) were investigated. The four treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design with five replications. The study results showed that the addition of cow manure produced the highest shoot biomass, plant biomass, and chlorophyll content. Azolla pinnata produced the highest proline content, whereas rice husk and rice straw increased the nitrate reductase activity. Among the type of OM tested under saline conditions, the best agro-physiological variables were cow manure, followed by rice husk, rice straw, and Azolla pinnata. Hence, the use of rice cv. Banyuasin combined with four types of OM under saline conditions using agro-physiological traits was a novel approach in this study.