THE EFFECT OF PLANT SPACING AND NPK FERTILIZER ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF SORGHUM NUMBU VARIETY

Abstract

This research examines the impact of plant spacing and NPK fertilizer treatment on the growth and yield performance of the Numbu variety of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench).  The research, conducted in Mekarjaya Village, Indramayu, West Java, from August to November 2024, using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) featuring nine treatment combinations, each replicated three times.  The experimental treatments comprised plant spacing configurations of 70 × 20 cm, 70 × 25 cm, and 70 × 30 cm, in conjunction with NPK fertilizer applications of 200, 300, and 400 kg/ha.  The results indicated that a spacing of 70 × 30 cm along with 400 kg/ha of NPK markedly improved plant height, leaf area index, stem diameter, root volume, and panicle characteristics.  This treatment achieved the maximum dry seed weight per plant at 70.67 g.  The highest dry seed production per plot (4.46 kg or 3.717 tons/ha) was achieved with a spacing of 70 × 20 cm and an application of 200 kg/ha of NPK.  Correlation study revealed a moderate positive association between plant height and dry seed yield, as well as between leaf count and yield at particular growth phases.  These findings highlight the essential importance of optimum spacing and NPK fertilizer concentrations in improving sorghum yield.