Determination of the limiting factors for sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) productivity with Leaf Sampling Unit (LSU) method in sandy soil

Abstract

Sugarcane is one of the important plantation commodities that is widely cultivated in Indonesia as a raw material for the sugar industry. One type of land that is commonly used for sugarcane cultivation is sandy soil, however, this soil has shortcomings due to nutrients availability which affects the productivity of sugarcane. This study aims to determine the limiting factor of sugarcane productivity in sandy soil through the Leaf Sampling Unit (LSU) analysis. Foliar nutrient levels of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), and Magnesium (Mg) were determined. The parameters of plant growth observed included stalk height, stalk diameter, number of internodes per stalk, number of green leaves, number of stalk per clump, stalk fresh weight, and sugarcane productivity. Data were analyzed using correlation and descriptive tests. LSU analysis indicated that the levels of N and Ca were under sufficient conditions, at 1.98% and 0.33%, respectively. Meanwhile, the P, K, and Mg were in critical condition, with values of 0.03%, 0.09%, and 0.12%, respectively. Sugarcane stem diameter had a correlation with sugarcane productivity (r=0.985). Increasing the dose of fertilizers, especially P, K, and Mg is needed to overcome these nutrient deficiency conditions; thus the productivity of sugarcane can be optimized and sustainable.