Optimization of Mulching and Plant Spacing on the Improvement of Productivity in Upland Rice (Oryza sativa L.) variety INPAGO 13

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the combination of plant spacing and mulch application on upland rice (Oryza Sativa L.) variety INPAGO 13. The experiment was carried out using a Split Plot Design (RPT), with the main plots (PU) consisting of M0l (no mulch), M1 (straw mulch), and M2 (Black-Silver Mulch), while the subplots (AP) included T1 (plant spacing 20l cm x 20l cm), T2 (plant spacing 30l cm x 30l cm), and T3 (plant spacing 40l cm x 20l cm x 12.5 cm). The observed parameters included plant height, number of tillers per clump, number of leaves per clump, leaf area per clump, leaf area index (LAI), dry weight per clump, dry weight of rice grains per clump, dry weight of rice grains per m², rice yield per hectare, dry weight of 10l0l0l grains, albedo, soil temperature, and solar energy conversion efficiency. The results showed that both mulch application and plant spacing had a significant effect on growth and yield parameters. The application of black-silver mulch with a plant spacing of 40l cm x 20l cm x 12.5 cm generally improved plant growth. This study indicates that the combination of plant spacing and mulch application can enhance the yield of upland rice (Oryza Sativa L.) variety INPAGO 13.