The Implementation of Straw Mulch Experiments to Increase Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) Production in Horticulture Learning

Abstract

The increasingly rapid development of science and technology, as well as the influence of globalization has contributed to updates in educational so that one method taken by apply experiments in horticulture learning activities. This study aims to determine the effect of rice straw mulch on tomato production and the effectiveness of the implementation of this experiment in the horticultural learning process. This research experimental used144 of tomatoes plants that were divided into four groups. First group is the control group with the thickness of the straw 0%, second group with a thickness of mulch 5%, third group with mulch thickness 10% and fourth group with mulch thickness 15%. The results show there is a significant difference from the average weight of tomatoes after being given various mulch thickness treatments that was continued with the Least Significant Difference test with significant differences seen group 15% straw thickness where group had the highest tomato fruit weight with the average tomato fruit weight per plants 1426.72 g. This experiment is quite effective in implementing horticulture learning because this experiment takes only 116 days and can increase activity, motivation, creativity, foster students' rational and scientific thinking.