Efek Cangkang Kerang terhadap Kation Basa dan Kejenuhan Basa serta Pertumbuhan Jagung (Zea Mays L.) di Tanah Ultisol

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the effect of mussel shell powder application on base cation availability, base saturation, and maize (Zea mays L.) growth in Ultisol soil. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of North Sumatra, from June 2024 to February 2025. The research used a non-factorial randomized block design (RBD) consisting of five treatments: K (control), C (calcite 1.5 tons/ha), D1 (mussel shell powder 2 tons/ha), D2 (4 tons/ha), and D3 (6 tons/ha), with three replications for each treatment. Observed parameters included soil pH, base cations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺, Na⁺), cation exchange capacity (CEC), base saturation, and maize growth (plant height, stem diameter, shoot and root dry weight). The results showed that treatments significantly affected soil pH, exchangeable Ca, and base saturation, and had a significant effect on plant height and stem diameter. The D3 (6 tons/ha) treatment showed the best improvement in soil pH and shoot growth, although Ca levels remained low. The increased base saturation indicates the potential of mussel shell powder to substitute for calcite as an ameliorant in acidic soils.