Effect of MgSO 4 as a complement to NPK fertilizer on shallot growth

Climate change has a significant impact on crop failure and agricultural production. To overcome this issue, fertilization strategy is needed to increase plant growth. Magnesium Sulphate (MgSO 4 ) role in photosynthesis, enzyme activation, and synergism with other nutrients plays big part in increasing plant growth and harvest. Complementing NPK fertilizing with MgSO 4 can be a solution to fulfill nutrient needs with lower input and higher effectivity. This study aims to find best formula of MgSO 4 complementing NPK fertilizer in improving shallot growth. Experimental method was conducted using Randomized Complete Group Design (RCBD) with 9 treatments and 3 replications, namely: control, standard NPK (Urea 250 kg ha -1 , SP-20 130 kg ha -1 , and KCL 60 kg ha -1 ), MgSO 4 (300 kg ha -1 ), and six combinations of MgSO 4 with NPK. The results showed that application of MgSO 4 combined with NPK fertilizer significantly increases the growth of shallots. The addition of 300 kg ha -1 of MgSO 4 with 3/4 doses of NPK fertilizer effectively increased shallot growth as indicated by the highest plant height, number of leaves, and number of tillers.