CLOSED AGRICULTURE SYSTEM AS AN ALTERNATIVE FOR VEGETABLE CROP PRODUCTION

Muktamar, Zainal and Nanik , Setyowati and Sigit, Sudjatmiko (2013) CLOSED AGRICULTURE SYSTEM AS AN ALTERNATIVE FOR VEGETABLE CROP PRODUCTION. In: The 3rd International Symposium for Sustainable Humanosphere , 17-18 September 2013, Bengkulu. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

The use of inorganic fertilizer and pesticide for vegetable crop production in Air Duku Village, Rejang :Lebong has increased since last 10 years. This agricultural practice has caused negative impact on environment as well as farmers' health. Intensive agricultural practices in the humid tropic adversely influence on soil condition, water quality, biological diversity, climate pattern, and long-term agricultural productivity (Committee on Sustainable Agriculture and the Environment in the Humid Tropics, National Researche Council, 1993). Muktamar et al. (2011) reported that farmers in Air Duku Village applied excessive pesticide and overdosed inorganic fertilizer for vegetable production. Application of pesticides in the field was rarely following the common regulation. Clinical test confirmed that heart and kidney deterioration were .encountered on some farmers. However, in recent year, middle and high class community awareness for healthy food and good environment. has been increasing significantly. Closed agriculture sys- one of alternatives to address the phenomenon.. From 3 year experience, even though the yield of vegetable crops such as carrot, broccoli, tomato, cabbage, sweet corn, etc. was relatively lower than those of conventional farming, the vegetable crops were free from inorganic fertilizer and pesticide and the soil fertility was well maintained. In the long term, the price of those commodities will also be higher than those of conventional farming system, due to their specific market for middle and high community. Our experience also showed that the need of organic fertilizer could be fulfilled from production of composting of dairy cows and vegetable wastes. Waste production of 5-6 milking cows was sufficient to fertilize about 1 ha of vegetable land. Another advantage of this system is that we were able to produce biogas for cooking or other energy need.

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