Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) is a strategic plantation crop contributing significantly to global sugar production. Early growth performance is a critical phase determining stand establishment and subsequent productivity, particularly in vegetative propagation systems using stem cuttings (setts). This study aimed to evaluate the early growth performance of the RGM 1010 Cultivar of sugarcane based on different stem sett positions (top, middle, and bottom) using a Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications. The experiment was conducted from July 2025 to January 2026 at the Experimental Farm of Politeknik Negeri Lampung, Indonesia. Observed parameters up to 10 weeks after planting (WAP) included survival percentage, plant height, number of leaves, leaf length, and number of internodes. Analysis of variance at the 5% significance level showed that sett position significantly affected survival percentage and plant height. The top setts produced the highest survival rate (92.5%) and plant height (153.5 cm), followed by middle and bottom setts. In contrast, number of leaves, leaf length, and number of internodes were not significantly influenced by sett position. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a weak and non-significant negative relationship (r = –0.324) between plant height and leaf number, indicating that stem elongation and leaf formation were relatively independent during early growth. The superior performance of top setts is attributed to higher meristematic activity and hormonal balance, promoting faster shoot and root initiation. Overall, while all sett positions were viable for vegetative propagation, top setts demonstrated better early vigor, providing practical implications for improving seedling establishment efficiency in sugarcane cultivation.

Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is a basic statistical method used to determine whether or not treatments have an effect on the observed response variables. Orthogonal polynomial analysis is a follow up test that functions to break down response trends into linear, quadratic, or higher order components. This study aimed to determine the analysis of variance and orthogonal polynomial analysis on the growth response of mustard greens (Brassica juncea) under various doses of NPK Grower fertilizer. The study was conducted using a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 5 treatment levels G0 = Control (without NPK Grower), consist of G1 = 1 g/polybag, G2 = 2 g/polybag, G3 = 3 g/polybag, G4 = 4 g/polybag. The results of the follow up analysis using orthogonal polynomials showed that most plant growth responses followed a quadratic pattern, particularly in the variables of plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, and fresh plant weight. This indicates the presence of an optimum dose capable of producing maximum growth. The optimum dose of NPK Grower fertilizer ranged from approximately 3.14 to 3.42 g/polybag, with an average value of around 3.2–3.3 g/polybag producing maximum growth results. In the root length variable, the response pattern was linear, meaning that increasing fertilizer doses continued to enhance root growth without reaching an optimum point within the tested dose range. The combination of analysis of variance and orthogonal polynomial analysis was able to provide more comprehensive information regarding the effect of NPK Grower.

Weed infestation in sugarcane cultivation is a major production-limiting factor that can reduce crop yield by 24–52%. The development of environmentally friendly weed control alternatives through the use of plant-based herbicides derived from bioactive plant compounds has become an increasingly relevant approach. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a phenol and saponin based bioherbicide (Herbiocide SL) in suppressing weed growth in dryland sugarcane ecosystems. The research was conducted from August to November 2025 at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Lampung; the Integrated Laboratory and Technology Innovation Center, University of Lampung; and the sugarcane plantation area of PT. Gunung Madu Plantations, Central Lampung. A field experiment was designed using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications and six treatments. The treatments consisted of four bioherbicide dose levels (5, 7.5, 10, and 12.5 L ha⁻¹), one mechanical weeding treatment, and one untreated plot as a control. Observations were conducted on weed community structure before and after application, dry weed biomass, as well as weed coverage and suppression rates. The results confirmed that Herbiocide SL acts as a contact herbicide. All tested dose levels (5–12.5 L ha⁻¹) effectively suppressed weed growth up to eight weeks after application (WAA), while the higher doses (10 and 12.5 L ha⁻¹) maintained their effectiveness up to 12 WAA. These findings provide a field-based scientific foundation for developing more sustainable weed management strategies in sugarcane cultivation in Indonesia.

The conversion of agricultural and livestock land into non-agricultural uses, particularly residential areas, has continued to increase in line with population growth and the expansion of peri-urban regions. Bawen District, a strategic area in Semarang Regency, is experiencing significant land-use pressure, resulting in a decline in productive land and posing a threat to the sustainability of livestock farming. This study aims to identify respondent characteristics, analyze internal and external factors, and formulate priority strategies for sustainable livestock land management. The research was conducted from July 25 to September 2, 2025, using observation, in-depth interviews, and literature review, with purposive sampling applied to 24 affected farmers. Data were analyzed using the IFE (Internal Factor Evaluation), EFE (External Factor Evaluation), SWOT, and IE matrices. The results indicate that most respondents are over 40 years old, have more than 10 years of farming experience, and are predominantly engaged in goat farming. The IFE score of 1.351 and the EFE score of 1.551 place the strategy in Quadrant I (aggressive position). The recommended priority strategy is the SO strategy, which includes optimizing farmers’ experience, promoting crop–livestock integration (zero waste farming), strengthening farmer groups, and applying alternative feed technologies such as fermentation, silage, and hydroponic fodder systems. These strategies are expected to enhance production efficiency and support the sustainability of livestock farming amid the increasing rate of land conversion.

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is a highly nutritious vegetable with increasing consumption due to population growth and rising awareness of healthy diets. However, its production is constrained by limited agricultural land, prompting the need for alternative cultivation methods such as hydroponics. The wick hydroponic system is a simple, low-cost method suitable for small-scale or household farming. This study aimed to examine the effect of combining liquid organic fertilizer (POC) from frass mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) with AB Mix on the growth and yield of lettuce in a wick hydroponic system. The POC used in this research contained total nitrogen (N) of 2.7%–7.8%, phosphorus (P) of 1.0%–1.5%, and potassium (K) of 1.2%–2.0%. A completely randomized design was used with five treatments: P0= 100% AB Mix, P1= 25% POC + 75% AB Mix, P2= 50% POC + 50% AB Mix, P3= 75% POC + 25% AB Mix, and P4= 100% POC, each repeated four times. Parameters observation included number of leaves, total chlorophyll content, photosynthesis rate, and plant fresh weight. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Outcomes revealed that the combination of POC and AB Mix significantly affected several growth parameters. The evidence obtained from the study suggests that the combination of POC and AB Mix affected group treatment. The best concentration is the combination of 25% POC and 75% AB Mix for the parameters of the number of leaves and total chlorophyll content.

Ecoenzyme (EE) is a fermented liquid derived from organic fruit and vegetable waste that has the potential to enhance plant growth and support sustainable agriculture. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different organic waste-based Ecoenzyme formulations on the growth of spinach plants. The experiment was conducted using a pot experiment arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of four treatments: P1 (mustard greens + mangosteen peel), P2 (mustard greens + orange peel), P3 (mustard greens + dragon fruit peel), and P4 (mustard greens only). The observed growth parameters included plant height, leaf number, fresh weight, and total chlorophyll content. The results showed that Ecoenzyme application significantly affected plant height and fresh weight, while the number of leaves did not differ significantly among treatments. These findings indicate that Ecoenzyme produced from a combination of vegetable and fruit organic wastes has the potential to be utilized as an alternative liquid organic fertilizer to support spinach cultivation.

Water spinach (Ipomoea reptans Poir.) is a short-duration leafy vegetable whose early growth and marketable biomass depend on efficient nutrient management. This study aimed to evaluate growth dynamics and production of water spinach following application of an amino acid biostimulant and NPK fertilizer. The experiment was conducted at the Integrated Field Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Lampung, in February 2026 using a one-factor randomized block design with three treatments and nine replications: no fertilizer, amino acid biostimulant (2 mL/L), and NPK 16-16-16 (1 g/L), applied as root drenches at 7 and 14 days after planting. The tested concentrations were selected to compare an organic growth-stimulating input with a mineral macronutrient source during the short vegetative cycle. Plant height and leaf number were recorded at 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days after planting, and fresh weight was measured at harvest. Data were evaluated descriptively using means, standard deviations, and percentage increases over the control. At 7 days after planting, NPK and amino acid biostimulant produced plant heights 101.5% and 68.6% above the control, respectively. At 35 days after planting, NPK produced the highest fresh weight (742.13 ± 2.41 g), followed by the amino acid biostimulant (655.88 ± 2.36 g) and the control (485.51 ± 2.45 g); the amino acid treatment produced the highest leaf number (16 leaves). These results indicate that NPK supported greater final fresh biomass, whereas the amino acid biostimulant tended to support early vegetative growth and leaf formation.