Influence of KCl Fertilizer and Trichoderma on the Growth and Yield of Upland Rice.

Abstract

<b>Background and Objective:</b> The rate of population growth is not balanced with the rate of increase in national rice production. The attention of the government and researchers in Southeast Sulawesi on upland rice is still very low, even though the potential for increased upland rice production is quite promising. The research aimed to study the influence of KCl fertilizer and <i>Trichoderma </i>spp. on the growth and yield of upland rice. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The study was conducted in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) consisting of 6 treatments i.e.: without KCl fertilizer and <i>T. asperellum</i> (K<sub>0</sub>), KCl 0.15 g/polybag+<i>T. asperellum </i>50 g/polybag (K<sub>1</sub>), KCl 0.30 g/polybag+<i> T. asperellum </i>40 g/polybag (K<sub>2</sub>), KCl 0.45 g/polybag+<i>T. asperellum </i>30 g/polybag (K<sub>3</sub>), KCl 0.60 g/polybag+<i>T. asperellum </i>20 g/polybag (K<sub>4</sub>) and KCl 0.75 g/polybag+<i>T. asperellum </i>10 g/polybag (K<sub>5</sub>) with 4 replication for each treatment. The data obtained were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and conducted further tests with the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at a 95% confidence level. <b>Results:</b> The results of the research revealed KCl fertilizer combination with <i>T. asperellum</i> in general, can increase the growth and yield of upland local aromatic red rice. Application of KCl fertilizers as 0.45 g/polybag equivalent to 90 kg ha<sup>1</sup> (K<sub>3</sub>) can provide optimal potassium nutrients for vegetative growth of upland rice. <b>Conclusion:</b> The treatment of KCl fertilizer as 0.45 g/polybag with <i>T. asperellum </i>30 g/polybag (K<sub>3</sub>) provides growth and yield of upland rice with an average production of4.95 t ha<sup>1</sup>.