Effects of Different NPK Fertilizer Rates on Morphological and Anatomical Leaf Traits of Sugarcane

Sutan Tarmizi Lubis; Eka Tarwaca Susila Putra; Fitria Nugraheni Sukmawati

doi:10.24925/turjaf.v14i8.2275-2282.8793

Authors

Sutan Tarmizi Lubis Politeknik LPP Yogyakarta, Department of Plantation Management, Yogyakarta, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1427-1744
Eka Tarwaca Susila Putra Universitas Gadjah Mada, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Crop Science, Yogyakarta, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2958-6485
Fitria Nugraheni Sukmawati Politeknik LPP Yogyakarta, Department of Plantation Management, Yogyakarta, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7771-4111

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24925/turjaf.v14i8.2275-2282.8793

Keywords:

Sugarcane, NPK Fertilization, Vegetative growth , Chlorophyll content , Leaf anatomy

Abstract

Sugarcane is a strategic crop supporting national sugar self-sufficiency, where fertilization efficiency plays a crucial role in sustainable production. This study evaluated the effects of reduced NPK fertilizer rates on vegetative growth, chlorophyll content, and leaf anatomical traits of sugarcane. The experiment was conducted in Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta, using a randomized complete block design with five NPK fertilizer rates: 100% (850 kg ha⁻¹), 80% (680 kg ha⁻¹), 60% (510 kg ha⁻¹), 40% (340 kg ha⁻¹), and 20% (170 kg ha⁻¹). Results showed that reductions in NPK fertilizer significantly affected vegetative growth parameters, chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll contents, and leaf epidermal thickness, while other anatomical traits remained relatively stable. Moderate fertilizer rates (510–680 kg ha⁻¹) produced growth and physiological responses comparable to the recommended rate. These findings indicate that partial reduction of NPK fertilizer can improve nutrient-use efficiency without substantially compromising sugarcane growth.

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