<![CDATA[Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) is a strategic commodity in Indonesia’s sugar industry, but its productivity declined from 87.40 tons/ha in 2022 to 86.40 tons/ha in 2023, still below the potential yield of the Bululawang variety (94.3 tons/ha). This decrease was attributed to unsustainable cultivation practices and climate change, which led to declining soil fertility. This study aimed to examine the effects of ameliorant and potassium fertilizer combinations on the vegetative growth of sugarcane (Bululawang variety) and to determine the most effective treatment. The treatments consisted of seven combinations: P1 (no ameliorant and no K₂O), P2 (4 L/ha ameliorant + 388.8 kg K₂O/ha), P3 (4 L/ha ameliorant + 259.2 kg K₂O/ha), P4 (4 L/ha ameliorant + 129.6 kg K₂O/ha), P5 (8 L/ha ameliorant + 388.8 kg K₂O/ha), P6 (8 L/ha ameliorant + 259.2 kg K₂O/ha), and P7 (8 L/ha ameliorant + 129.6 kg K₂O/ha), each replicated four times. The results showed that the combination of ameliorant and potassium fertilizer significantly enhanced vegetative growth, as reflected in improved root length, root dry weight, number of leaves, plant height, leaf area, number of tillers, stem diameter, and total plant biomass. The combination also increased chlorophyll index, stomatal density, and brix level, indicating better nutrient uptake and physiological activity. These findings suggest that integrating ameliorant and potassium fertilizer can effectively improve vegetative growth and soil quality, offering a sustainable cultivation strategy for the Bululawang variety under similar agroecological conditions.]]>
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