The Effect of Salicylic Acid on Two Varieties on the Growth and Production of Rice Plants (Oryza sativa L.) in Salin Soil With a Floating Paddy System

Abstract

This research aims to evaluate the interaction effects and main influences of salicylic acid application and two rice varieties on the growth and yield of rice cultivated in saline soil using a floating rice field system. The study was carried out in the experimental greenhouse of the Faculty of Agriculture, Islamic University of Riau, located on Kaharudin Nasution Street Km 11, Air Dingin Village, Bukit Raya District, Pekanbaru City. The experiment spanned five months, from February to June 2024. A Factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was employed, involving two factors: the first factor was salicylic acid at four concentrations (0, 30, 60, and 90 mg/L of water), while the second factor included two rice varieties, namely Inpari 34 Salin and Batang Piaman. Observed parameters encompassed plant height, flowering time, stomatal count, chlorophyll levels, tiller number, harvest time, panicle length, grain weight, and root volume. Data from the final observations were analyzed statistically using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), followed by an Honest Significant Difference (HSD) test at a 5% significance level. The results indicated that the interaction between salicylic acid and the two varieties significantly influenced grain weight and root volume. The optimal combination was observed in the Batang Piaman variety treated with 90 mg/L of salicylic acid. Furthermore, the main effect of salicylic acid significantly affected stomatal count and chlorophyll content, with the best outcome achieved at 90 mg/L of salicylic acid. Regarding the variety factor, significant effects were noted for panicle length, grain weight, and root volume, with Batang Piaman emerging as the superior variety. Based on these findings, further studies on floating rice systems using the Batang Piaman variety, known for its salinity tolerance, are recommended to optimize rice production in saline environments.