Sugarcane growth variation based on rainfall and soil permeability in Takalar, Indonesia

Abstract

The germination and sprouting phases of sugar cane are critical periods that determine productivity. This phase occurs when the sugar cane is 1-3 months old and requires an adequate supply of water to support the formation of shoots. Poor soil conditions and high rainfall can cause the failure of bud formation. This study aims to determine the relationship between rainfall and soil permeability in successfully constructing sugarcane shoots. We divided the 1 ha research area into nine points (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I) to observe plant growth and soil permeability. The growth factors measured included the number of stems, diameter, and plant height, measured by zigzag. Intact soil samples at a 0-15 cm depth were then analyzed in the laboratory using Darcy’s law to determine the value of soil permeability. The results showed variations in sugarcane growth in the nine study plots. The average number of sugarcane stalks is eight stalks/meter with a height of 159 cm and a diameter of 3 cm. The low soil permeability value of 0.13-0.5 cm/hour cannot compensate for the average rainfall during the budding phase, thereby suppressing plant growth by up to 50% of the average productivity that should be.