Optimizing nutrient management in dryland sugarcane: Morphophysiological response of Saccharum officinarum I. Variety GMP-7 to NPK-S and micronutrient fertilization

¹ Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sriwijaya. Jl. Palembang-Prabumulih Km 32, Indralaya, Ogan Ilir 30662, South Sumatra, Indonesia
² Department of Agroecotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sriwijaya. Jl. Palembang-Prabumulih Km 32, Indralaya, Ogan Ilir 30662, South Sumatra, Indonesia
³ Researcher of Agricultural Product Testing and Cultivation, PT Pupuk Sriwidjaja Palembang, Jl. Mayor Zen, Palembang 30118, South Sumatra, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) is a strategic plantation crop in Indonesia; however, its productivity remains constrained by suboptimal nutrient management, particularly under dryland conditions. Information regarding the effectiveness of combined NPK-S and micronutrient fertilization on the vegetative performance of sugarcane is still limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different inorganic fertilization strategies on the morphophysiological characteristics of sugarcane variety GMP-7 during the vegetative phase. The experiment was conducted from September to December 2025 in Ogan Ilir, South Sumatra, using a randomized complete block design with five treatments and five replications. The treatments consisted of: 1250 kg ha⁻¹ NPK-S; 1000 kg ha⁻¹ NPK-S + 12 kg ha⁻¹ micronutrient fertilizer; 1250 kg ha⁻¹ NPK-S +12 kg ha⁻¹ micronutrient fertilizer; and two combinations of urea, potassium chloride, and triple superphosphate at different rates. The results showed that most observed variables were not significantly affected by fertilization treatments, except for leaf number at four months after planting and leaf greenness. The application of 1250 kg ha⁻¹ NPK-S consistently resulted in superior performance in stalk length, stalk diameter, chlorophyll content, leaf greenness, and total soluble solids. In contrast, the combination of urea, potassium chloride, and triple superphosphate at 450–474 kg ha⁻¹ urea levels tended to enhance biomass accumulation and plant population attributes. In conclusion, NPK-S fertilization at 1250 kg ha⁻¹ provided the most consistent morphophysiological response during the vegetative stage, highlighting its potential role in improving nutrient management strategies for sugarcane cultivation under dryland.