SHEEP Indonesia Foundation together with OMB Gou-Gou Baga, Saureinu Village, Mentawai Regency learnt to reduce the adverse effects of pests and weeds on plant growth. One of the stages carried out is routine observation of selected food commodities and identification of pests and weeds found or commonly faced by farmers. Routine observation of Bedeng Keladi is carried out by monitoring growth and early detection of pest or weed attacks. In this routine observation, OMB members directly observe and record the condition of the plants and the surrounding environment, so that they can detect signs of pest or weed attacks in each bed that has been processed using different methods, fertilisers, and treatments.
Of the 5 beds made, 3 beds were treated using solid fertiliser and 2 beds with liquid fertiliser and molasses, and the spacing and planting position were also varied. Routine observations made yielded several results including differences in commodity shape (height, leaf width and colour) that occurred between commodities with liquid and solid fertilizers, in addition to the soil fertility of commodities using solid fertilizers showing better results.
Interesting things from these observations were then discussed together so as to get lessons and conclusions related to planting methods, fertiliser selection and handling of ham and weeds that will be applied and evaluated every week which are then used by OMB members in overcoming pest and weed problems effectively. In the end, understanding the differences in commodity shapes and soil fertility helped the farmers better understand the methods and selection of pest and weed control techniques that are more environmentally friendly. This needs to be documented so that it can become an advocacy and campaign material in the development of environmentally friendly field schools and pest and weed problems that can be overcome and discovered by farmers themselves by utilising sustainable local potential.