BIOSHEET FROM PUMPKIN AND SUN HEMP PLANTS TO CONTROL WEEDS FOR GARDEN VEGETABLES

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to examine the nutrients of biosheet, soil decomposition, and surface decomposition of biosheet from pumpkin and hemp plants, the efficiency of weed growth control in demonstration plants, and the amount of carbon dioxide released by the biosheet compared to other types of control weed materials. In the research, pumpkin plants were used for making biosheet, and ground sunhemp as a material for adding nutrients which was put over the sheet in the amounts of 0, 2.5, 5, and 10 grams per 600 square centimeters. The properties were examined by analyzing nutrients of biosheet, soil decomposition, and soil surface decomposition. Examination on biosheet from pumpkin and hemp plants as biosheet was conducted by percentage calculation of weed plants and analysis on the amount of carbon dioxide released by the biosheet. The results revealed that as for nutrients on biosheet from pumpkin and hemp plants, potassium was at a high level (91 – 120 mg/kg) with biosheet content of 10 grams per 600 square centimeter area. As for soil decomposition at 15 days, biosheet of ground hemp content 10 grams per 600 square centimeters did not show presence of biosheet from pumpkin and hemp plant left over. As for the decomposition on the soil surface, there was biosheet remaining and the biosheet weight lost for 12.35%. The efficiency of weed control in the demonstration plant showed that the percentage of weed growth was 57.5 at 40 days, compared to the plant that was not mulched at 82.50 percent. The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere by the plant sheets was 0.2337 kilograms of carbon dioxide per kilogram. The results of this research are beneficial for use in controlling weeds in vegetable gardens for farmers and further development for researchers.