The upland rice cultivar Situ Bagendit, developed in Indonesia, is well-known for drought tolerance, rapid growth, high yield, and palatability. This study assessed its productivity under different fertilization treatments during the rainy season in an Oldeman’s E climate zone (3–4 wet months with ≥200 mm rainfall, followed by prolonged drought). Research began from October 15, 2022, until January 25, 2023, at the Class-1 Climatology Station, North Sumatra, Indonesia. A non-factorial randomized complete block design comprised four fertilization treatments (0%, 33%, 66%, and 100% of recommended N, P, K, and SiO₂ doses) and three replications. Fertilization treatments did not significantly affect plant height, nutrient uptake, tiller count, root volume, dry weight, generative-phase shoot dry weight, harvesting, flowering age, and production. However, the 100% dose (1.11 g N, 0.55 g P, 0.27 g K, and 2.55 g SiO₂ per plant) yielded the highest averages for root volume and dry weight, vegetative-phase shoot dry weight, filled grain weight, and reduced unfilled grain weight. This study highlights Situ Bagendit’s strong adaptability in the Oldeman’s E climate, demonstrating its potential for upland rice cultivation in such conditions.
Upland rice cultivar Situ Bagendit, climate zone, fertilizers, phenology, growth and yield traits
The upland rice Situ Bagendit variety demonstrated significant drought tolerance and rapid growth in Oldeman’s climate zone E. By applying 100% recommended doses of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and silica, these considerably improved the growth and yield traits.