Irman Idris
One of the problems in potato production in West Java is the availability of seed potatoes of good quality. For the provision, seed potatoes are usually reproduced with the aeroponics method. Problems related to growing space temperature found, that is to be too high. Through previous research, ITB research team in collaboration with a team of Indonesian Vegetable Research Institute (Balitsa) has developed a nutrient cooling system for potatoes seeding using aeroponics approach. Early trials on aeroponics system owned by the Center for Potato Seeding Agency in West Java which is located in Pangalengan has given encouraging results. It was intended that this research would optimize the cooling system, but however it is found that the system had caused poisoning to the aeroponics seeding system, therefore, the research is the remaking of the cooling system that compatible with potato seeding system, and the functionality test at the Center for Potato Seed Agency, West Java; and pilot implementation in the actual aeroponics potate seeding process. The cooling system functionality testing on aeroponic system conducted by installing the equipment and observe the functionality of the system, and then evaluate the functionality of the device being developed. Some of the features expected of a device developed include automation, simple to digunakain as well as for the care, mobility, and an affordable price. In general, the results of field testing in the actual process of aeroponics potato seeding system show that the system is successfully installed without any significant obstacles. The time required to perform the installation is quite short. Except for air conditioners and evaporator cooling system must be performed by skilled personnel. The system can be run without problems in the early start up. Torrent minimum temperature can reach 5°C. However, the temperature of the chamber is still relatively high compared torrent temperature, around 16O C. It applies to torrent 1000 size L, with a power of 2PK air conditioning compressor. For the record, at the time of this trial with respect to the dry season there are some symptoms that the temperature at Pangalengan is affected by elnino extreme heat, which can reach 32 ° C. Hot temperature conditions are less conducive for planting potatoes. The result from the seeding process is compared between those using the cooling system and without cooling system. The cooling system is succeed in reducing failure rate in seeding up to 34%.
Penerapan Teknologi Tepat Guna
One of the problems in potato production in West Java is the availability of seed potatoes of good quality. For the provision, seed potatoes are usually reproduced with the aeroponics method. Problems related to growing space temperature found, that is to be too high.