Agronomy character of Purun Bajang in humid tropical habitat:

Abstract

Purun bajang (Eleocharis sp.) grows abundantly in swamps and peatlands. The research aims to identify the agronomic characteristics of purun bajang which are influenced by differences in the natural habitat where it grows. The research method used descriptive research carried out in five humid tropical natural habitats in Kutai Kartanegara Regency, East Kalimantan. Data was obtained from 25 samples in each habitat. The agronomic character of purun bajang which is influenced by differences in soil pH is the percentage of the number of flowers per clump. The natural habitat with the highest soil pH 5.6, has the lowest average percentage of flowers per clump, 43.40%. The highest average stem length of purun bajang (133.80 cm) and the largest stem diameter (0.39 cm) are found in habitats with a soil pH of 5.6. Improving the soil pH value can be considered to lengthen and enlarge the stems. The characteristics of the natural habitat for the growth of purun bajang are waterlogged land with a height of 26.8-36 cm, water pH 4.5-6, soil pH 3.4-5.6, pyrite content of 0.06%-0.26%, and open land without shade.