This is because liquid smoke does not provide nutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). However, liquid smoke acts as a biostimulant, plant growth regulator (PGR), and natural protectant, promoting optimal leaf growth. Optimal leaf growth exponentially increases the growth of all plant organs, including stems, roots, flowers, fruit, and so on. Leaves are the primary "kitchen" of a plant, so leaf health determines the health of the entire plant system. Optimal leaf growth also increases the efficiency of fertilizer absorption (a "pump engine" effect) in the soil.
Furthermore, liquid smoke is not only used as "leaf fertilizer", it turns out that liquid smoke also functions as an organic pesticide (fungicide/insecticide). This repels pests (such as ticks and flies), and prevents leaf diseases. The phenol and acetic acid content is toxic to insects (aphids, thrips, caterpillars) and is effective in suppressing fungi that cause plant diseases. And the distinctive smell of smoke makes insects reluctant to approach and lay their eggs on the surface of the leaves. In addition, its binding properties make it difficult for pathogenic fungal spores to attach and develop on the surface of the leaves
Regarding this dual function, the use of liquid smoke for application to leaves (foliar) can be prioritized, whether it is more specifically used as a "foliar fertilizer" or as a biopesticide. This requires a number of adjustments such as dosage, additional formulations and application time. To maximize the function of liquid smoke as a leaf fertilizer, you must mix it with additional nutrients (such as liquid organic fertilizer / LOF) and apply it when the leaf stomata are fully open. Liquid smoke is able to reduce water molecules. When diluted or mixed with Liquid Organic Fertilizer (LOF), the nutritional content of the fertilizer becomes easier to enter and be absorbed through the stomata (leaf mouth). Meanwhile, to maximize its function as a biopesticide, liquid smoke needs to be combined with other vegetable pesticides. The frequency of spraying for prevention is once a week, while pest attacks are high, namely 2-3 times a week until the pest population is under control.
The use of drones for spraying pesticides and liquid fertilizer has been widely used on various agricultural crops such as rice, corn, sugar cane and palm oil. More specifically in palm oil plantations, drone applications are a modern solution for spraying fertilizers and pesticides. And in Indonesia more than 80% of drone applications are for the forestry and agricultural sectors. Efficiency factors (time, energy, operational costs, fertilizers, pesticides) and precision are the main driving forces for this drone application. This means that drone technology is expected to be an effective solution in controlling pests and diseases, fertilizing and cultivating palm oil plants. Drones are effective in increasing plantation efficiency, especially in areas that are difficult to reach. As a technology, various improvements have been made to improve its functions such as carrying capacity, spray speed, safety features and work efficiency. The use of drones supports precision agriculture and global food security with an environmentally friendly technological approach.
Spraying liquid fertilizer on the underside of leaves (underside spraying) using a drone requires special techniques. This is because drone propellers naturally produce strong downwash. This downwash effect is used to gently move and turn the leaves, so that the droplets can hit the bottom of the leaves. This is because on the bottom of the leaf, where the stomata are located the most are gathered around 80%. The spray texture is also made into mist mode (the finest dew) so that the liquid sticks evenly and doesn't drip onto the ground. Next, the drone's height, speed and nozzle angle need to be adjusted in such a way to achieve this goal. Environmental factors in the form of strong winds need to be avoided so it is necessary to adjust the right time and conditions.
As the use of biochar grows as a solution for health and soil fertility as well as a climate solution, this should also be the case with the application of liquid smoke. Liquid smoke as a by-product in the form of a liquid product from biochar production will increase along with increasing biochar production. Liquid smoke as a product produced from biomass raw materials through a pyrolysis process also encourages the use of natural materials based on renewable resources so that it is environmentally friendly and sustainable.
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