Development of Internet of Things Based Fertigation System for Improving Productivity of Patchouli Plantation
Setiyo Budiyanto, Lukman Medriavin Silalahi, Andi Adriansyah, Ucuk Darusalam, Septi Andryana, Agus Dendi Rochendi · 2021
The problem faced by patchouli farmers, besides being rivaled by the production of lemongrass, was found to be relatively low productivity of patchouli plants by about 2 kg per tree. While the results of trials conducted by the Atsiri Research Center (ARC) obtained productivity of up to 5-6 kg per tree. In addition to problems on the side of high competition and low production and productivity, patchouli still has advantages that its competitors do not have. If ordinary perfume, the scent only lasts 2-3 hours, then perfume that uses patchouli, the scent can last 12 to 72 hours according to its concentration. That is why the world perfume industry is very interested in Aceh's patchouli. Patchouli grows and produces well in fertile, loose, and contains a lot of organic matter. Good soil types are regosol, latosol, and alluvial. The texture of the clay is sandy clay or dusty clay and has good absorption capacity and is not flooded during the rainy season. Patchouli leaves to produce high oil content require full sun. The height of the place suitable for patchouli cultivation starts from the lowlands to an altitude of 1,200 meters above sea level (asl) and is optimum at 100-400 m asl. In the lowlands, the oil content is higher than in the highlands, on the contrary, the alcohol content of patchouli is lower. Rainfall is needed for the growth of patchouli plants ranging from 2300 - 3000 mm / year with equitable distribution throughout the year. Humidity, temperature, and pH suitable for patchouli growth are 70-90%, $24-28^{\circ}\mathrm{C}$, and 5.5-7, respectively.