Kajian Perbedaan Tanaman Penutup Mucuna bracteata DC. dan Pueraria phaseoloides Terhadap Sifat Fisika Tanah Ultisol

Abstract

Ultisol soil was classified as marginal soil, characterized by unfavorable physical properties for agriculture, including high soil bulk density, low soil porosity, acidic pH, and low organic matter and nitrogen content. This study aimed to compare the effects of two cover crops Mucuna bracteata DC. and Pueraria phaseoloides on the physical properties of Ultisol soil. The experiment was conducted in the greenhouse of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of North Sumatera, with three treatments: namely without cover crops (control), Mucuna bracteata DC., and Pueraria Phaseoloides. The results showed that both cover crops improved Ultisol soil's physical properties. However, Pueraria phaseoloides demonstrated a greater effect, significantly reducing soil bulk density, increasing porosity, and enhancing soil pH, organic matter content, and nitrogen availability compared to Mucuna bracteata DC. Therefore, Pueraria phaseoloides was recommended as a more effective cover crop for ameliorating Ultisol soil's physical characteristics.