Organic And Inorganic Fertilizer Application on Leveraging Nickel Micro-Nutrient to Improve Root Development of Sugarcane Single Bud Chips in the Face of Climate Change Challenges

Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agricultural, University of Jember, Jl. Kalimantan 37 Jember, 68121, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: srihartatik.faperta@unej.ac.id

Abstract

Sugarcane is a vital crop for sugar and bioenergy production, yet its growth is increasingly threatened by climate change, including drought and fluctuating temperatures. This study investigates the role of Nickel (Ni) as a micronutrient to enhance root development and resilience of sugarcane seedlings under these stresses. A factorial randomized block design (RBD) was used, with Ni concentrations of 0 ppm, 0.25 ppm, 0.5 ppm, and 1 ppm applied to sugarcane single bud chips in a greenhouse. Results showed that 0.25 ppm Ni significantly increased root length by 13% in genotype M1, and by 73.7% in genotype M2. Root diameter increased by 330.3% in M1 and by 369.4% in M2 at 0.25 ppm. Additionally, 0.25 ppm Ni improved leaf nitrogen content and chlorophyll levels across all genotypes, with a 16.7% increase in M1’s leaf nitrogen and a 12.3% increase in chlorophyll content. However, higher concentrations of Ni (0.5 ppm and 1 ppm) showed diminishing returns, reducing root and stem growth and causing potential toxicity. Furthermore, Ni application at 0.25 ppm enhanced soil microbial activity, particularly that of nitrogen-fixing and phosphate-solubilising bacteria, which are vital for maintaining soil fertility. This study concludes that 0.25 ppm Ni is optimal for improving root development and resilience to climate-induced stresses in sugarcane, offering a promising approach for sustainable cultivation practices in the face of climate change.