Organic And Inorganic Fertilizer Application on Leveraging Nickel Micro-Nutrient to Improve Root Development of Sugarcane Single Bud Chips in the Face of Climate Change Challenges

Sugarcane is a vital crop for sugar and bioenergy production, yet its growth is increasingly threatened by climate change, including drought and fluctuating temperatures. This study investigates the role of Nickel (Ni) as a micronutrient to enhance root development and resilience of sugarcane seedlings under these stresses. A factorial randomized block design (RBD) was used, with Ni concentrations of 0 ppm, 0.25 ppm, 0.5 ppm, and 1 ppm applied to sugarcane single bud chips in a greenhouse. Results showed that 0.25 ppm Ni significantly increased root length by 13% in genotype M1, and by 73.7% in genotype M2. Root diameter increased by 330.3% in M1 and by 369.4% in M2 at 0.25 ppm. Additionally, 0.25 ppm Ni improved leaf nitrogen content and chlorophyll levels across all genotypes, with a 16.7% increase in M1’s leaf nitrogen and a 12.3% increase in chlorophyll content. However, higher concentrations of Ni (0.5 ppm and 1 ppm) showed diminishing returns, reducing root and stem growth and causing potential toxicity. Furthermore, Ni application at 0.25 ppm enhanced soil microbial activity, particularly that of nitrogen-fixing and phosphate-solubilising bacteria, which are vital for maintaining soil fertility. This study concludes that 0.25 ppm Ni is optimal for improving root development and resilience to climate-induced stresses in sugarcane, offering a promising approach for sustainable cultivation practices in the face of climate change.