Volume 10, Issue 6: 210-215; September 25, 2020  
STUDY OF THE UTILIZATION OF RIM (REFRESH  
MICROORGANISM) IN SUGARCANE  
SUDIARSO 1 , Ririen PRIHANDARINI 2  
1 Faculty of Agriculture, University of Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia  
2 Faculty of Agriculture, Widyagama University, Malang, Indonesia  
Supporting Information  
ABSTRACT: Sugarcane is used by its stems as the main raw material for sugar. In addition to improving soil  
structure, soil organic matter also supplies soil nutrients, especially Nitrogen, Phosphor and Sulfur, increases soil  
aggregate stability, increases groundwater holding capacity and increases soil recoverability. To overcome this  
problem, the use of RIM microorganism (refresh microorganism) technology in sugarcane fields needs to be  
done to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers which will ultimately lead to the realization of the application of  
organic farming systems in sugarcane cultivation. The purpose of this study was to study the effect of different  
dosage applications of RIM and various sources of organic matter on the growth and yield of sugarcane. This  
research consisted of two stages, namely in the greenhouse and in the field, namely (1) testing the growth of  
bud chip sugarcane seedlings using different growth media and microorganism technology (2) testing the effect  
of RIM applications and organic matter on the growth and yield of sugarcane. The use of RIM's Biological Agents  
by using Tricho derma, Sacharomyces, Bacillus, Rhizobium, Azotobacter and Pseudomonas bacteria was able to  
increase the growth of sugarcane buds. The combination of using RIM and manure can increase the number of  
leaves and the percentage of growing sugarcane.  
Keywords: Beneficial microorganism, Organic Material. RIM's Biological Agent, Sugarcane.  
INTRODUCTION  
Sugarcane (Sacharum officinarum L.) is a plant in the Graminae family which is used by its stems as the main raw  
material for sugar, as well as animal feed. Along with the development of the population, Indonesia has not been able to  
meet the national sugar needs. This is evidenced by the decline in sugarcane productivity in 2017 which only reached 5.4  
tonnes/ha compared to the 2016 projection of 7.75 tonnes/ha (Agricultural Statistics at a Glance 2018). The low  
productivity of sugarcane, followed by an increase in sugar consumption, makes Indonesia have to import sugar from  
abroad. Domestic sugar needs are mostly met from imported sugar in the form of raw sugar and crystal sugar, even in  
2018 it was reported that National sugar production only reached 2.1 million tons per year, while the need for  
consumption and refined sugar reached 6.8 million tons.  
The low sugarcane production can be seen from the on-farm side, including the low soil fertility caused by the low  
content of organic matter in the soil. Soil organic matter has biological, physical and chemical functions of soil which are  
mutually bound to one another. Soil organic matter in addition to providing nutrients for soil microbial activity, nutrients  
used by microorganisms are useful for accelerating their activity in order to increase the rate of decomposition of organic  
matter and release of nutrients (Sutanto, 2016). It was stated that that drought on the soil will result in reduced  
chlorophyll a,b content, the ratio of chlorophyll a,b decreases physiological activity and will reduce sugarcane plant growth  
and sugar productivity (Ferreira et al., 2017). Further, it was determined( that about 60% of rice fields in Java show less  
than 1% organic matter, meanwhile for the agricultural system to be sustainable, it must have organic matter greater  
than 2%. Rhizhobacterium was able to increase the growth and photosynthesis of sugarcane plants (Rampazzo et al.,  
Dependence on chemical fertilizers causes chemical fertilizer subsidies to increase every year. The environmental  
burden caused by the continuous use of chemical fertilizers in high doses is increasingly closing the soil pores, so that the  
absorption of the soil to rain water decreases and results in frequent flooding and drought (Thierfelder et al., 2018). In  
addition, the continuous use of chemical fertilizers causes the soil to become hard so that crop production, especially  
sugar cane, is getting smaller with a low yield of sugar. To overcome this problem, the use of microorganisms in  
sugarcane fields needs to be done to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers which will eventually lead to the realization of  
the application of organic farming systems in sugarcane cultivation. Microorganism technology engineering is expected to  
improve soil fertility so that it will increase the production and yield of sugarcane.  
The current research purposes were 1) study the effect of different application of RIM dosages and various sources  
of organic matter on soil fertility and sugarcane crops; 2) Studying the effect of RIM and the dosage of organic matter on  
the growth and yield of sugarcane. The research outputs to be achieved are: (a) publication in national or international  
seminar proceedings, and (b) technology package for organic sugarcane cultivation.  
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Citation: Sudiarso and Prihandarini R (2020). Study of the utilization of rim (refresh microorganism) in sugarcane. Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 10(5): 210-215.  
MATERIALS AND METHODS  
This study consisted of two stages, namely in the greenhouse and in the field, namely, 1) the growth test of bud chip  
sugarcane seedlings using different growing media and hygienic agents, 2) testing the effect of RIM application and  
organic matter on the growth and yield of sugarcane (Figures 1-4).  
The first stage of research was the growth test of bud chip sugarcane seedlings using different growing media  
combined with different microorganism formulas. The objective of this research is to obtain an optimal growing  
environment for the growth of bud chip sugarcane. The experimental design used was a completely randomized design;  
the study was conducted in a greenhouse. Synergy test between a consortium of microorganisms between photosynthetic  
bacteria Sacharomyces (S), Azospirillum sp (A), Azotobacter (Z), Rhizobium (R), Pseudomonas (P), Bacillus (B) and  
Trichoderma sp. (T) with a comparison, the formula is F1, F2, F3, F4 and F5. Plant shoot variables observed were the  
percentage of shoots that grew on the pottray and time of shoot growth.  
The second stage of research was a continuation of stage 1, the growth of shoots was followed by the influence of  
the growth of sugarcane shoots with RIM treatment combined with various kinds of organic matter and the concentration  
of biological agents on the growth and yield of sugarcane. The experimental design used was a randomized block design  
with 7 treatments on various planting media samples:  
S0: control, S1: RIM 5 gr, S2: RIM 10 gr S3: RIM 20 gr, S4: manure + RIM 5 gr, S5: manure + RIM 10 gr, S6: manure  
+ RIM 20 gr and S7: fertilizer cage. So there are 8 treatments, each treatment is repeated 3 times. There are 24 research  
treatments. Plant variables that are observed are plant height and number of leaves. Observation of soil fertility includes  
laboratory analysis of soil nutrient content before and after treatment, and soil microorganism population. The data  
obtained were analyzed using analysis of variance and significant difference test.  
Figure 1 - Growth of bud chip sugarcane seedlings using different growing media and biological agents or various  
formulas.  
Figure 2 - Observations of Trichoderma and Sacharomyces microorganisms in the RIM formulation.  
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Citation: Sudiarso and Prihandarini R (2020). Study of the utilization of rim (refresh microorganism) in sugarcane. Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 10(5): 210-215.  
Figure 3 - Observations of Bacillus and Rhizobium microorganisms in the RIM formulation.  
Figure 4 - Observations of Azotobacter and Pseudomonas microorganisms in the RIM formulation.  
RESULTS  
Bud chip cane seed growth test using different growing media and biological agents  
Based on the synergy test between the microorganism consortium between the photosynthetic bacteria  
Sacharomyces (S), Azospirillum sp (A), Azotobacter (Z), Rhizobium (R), Pseudomonas (P), Bacillus (B) and Trichoderma sp  
(T) with a comparison, the formula is obtained F1, F2, F3, F4 and F5 that are used can synergize with one another. From  
the results of the incubation for 24 hours, each formula has a predominance and can be mixed and F3 is the best formula  
and is used in further research. Based on this test and formulation, a formula is obtained that can increase the speed of  
growth of sugarcane seeds and is expected to be used as biological fertilizer for sugarcane plants. However, it still needs  
to be studied in more detail whether the formula is correct in a soil biology laboratory then it is followed by a test of the  
content of the best Microorganism Technology formula, which is named RIM (Refresh Microorganism). The results of this  
RIM formulation were then tested in sugarcane bud chip nurseries in the Laboratory and sugarcane nurseries at the Green  
House. The process of sugarcane bud chip seeding was continued at the Green House with a combination treatment of  
RIM with manure. The results of the analysis of variance showed that the application of RIM, manure and control on  
sugarcane bud chips had no significant effect on shoot growth time (Table 1) but had a significant effect on the  
percentage of shoot growth (Table 2). Observation of the percentage of shoots growing stated that the addition of RIM  
resulted in a diversity in the percentage of bud chip that grew where the treatments of S2, S3, S4, S5, S6 and S7 were  
significantly different from the percentage of shoots growing in the S0 treatment (Control).  
Plant height  
The results of the analysis of variance showed that giving RIM had a significant effect on the height of the sugarcane  
bud chip. At the age of 50 DAP, the height of the bud chip plants in S0 (control) treatment was significantly different from  
the S1 treatment and S2, S3, S4, S5, S6 and S7 treatments. However, at the age of 30 and 40 DAP there was no  
significant difference between these treatments. The provision of manure and RIM showed a significant difference  
compared to control. At the age of 70 HST, giving RIM alone or giving manure alone was not significantly different from  
Control. The combination of RIM and manure contributed significantly to the increase in plant height (Table 3).  
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Citation: Sudiarso and Prihandarini R (2020). Study of the utilization of rim (refresh microorganism) in sugarcane. Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 10(5): 210-215.  
Number of leaves  
The results of the analysis of variety showed that the application of RIM and manure had no significant effect on the  
number of sugarcane bud chip leaves at the age of 30 and 40 DAP, but at the age of 50, 60 and 70 DAP there was a  
significant difference. Based on the results of observations made at the age of 50 to 70 days afterwards, the number of  
bud chip leaves in each treatment had a significantly different value (Table 4). The effect of giving RIM alone or  
simultaneously with manure can increase the number of leaves.  
Plant nutrient elements  
Content of Nitrogen and Potassium. The content of N and K elements in this study increased the provision of RIM  
and manure (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S5, S6 and S7, analysis of various K content had a significant effect compared to control  
(S0) between these treatments. increase the content of Nitrogen and Potassium in sugarcane seeds at the end of this  
research 70 days after planting. Potassium different from the control this difference can be seen in Figure 5.  
Contents of P, calcium, magnesium and pH. The elemental content of phosphorus, calcium, magnesium increases  
with the provision of RIM and manure. This can be seen from the increase in elements of P, Ca, Mg S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6  
and S7 compared to S0 treatment (control). The highest P content was obtained in the S3 treatment (giving RIM 20 gr/lt),  
but it was not significantly different from the S2, S5 and S6 treatments (giving RIM and manure). Calcium content in S3  
treatment (giving RIM 20 gr/lt) was not significantly different from the treatment with RIM and manure (S4 and S5). The  
difference in the treatment of giving RIM 10 gr/ltd of manure alone does not provide a significant difference in the  
calcium content, which can be seen in Figure 6. Meanwhile, the phosphorus content of sugarcane seeds up to 70 days  
after planting was relatively different in the treatment given by RIM, a combination of RIM and manure and manure alone  
compared to the control. However, the pH was not different in all treatments, there was no significant difference.  
Table 1 - The effect of giving RIM various doses and combinations of manure application on sugarcane bud chip  
growing time.  
Treatment  
Shoots growth time (days)  
S0 (Control)  
S1 (RIM 5 g)  
6.75  
7.50  
S2 (RIM 10 g)  
8.50  
S3 (RIM 20 g)  
8.75  
S4 (RIM 5 g + manure )  
S5 (RIM 10 g + manure )  
S6 (RIM 20 g + manure )  
S7 (manure)  
7.25  
8.50  
8.90  
7.80  
BNT5%  
NR (No Response)  
Table 2 - Effect of RIM on various doses and combinations of manure application on the percentage of buds  
growing sugar cane chips.  
Treatment  
S0 (control)  
S1 (RIM 5 g)  
Percentage of shoots (%)  
53.75 a  
67.50 b  
S2 (RIM 10 g)  
S3 (RIM 20 g)  
S4 (RIM 5 g + manure )  
S5 (RIM 10 g + manure )  
S6 (RIM 20 g + manure )  
S7 (manure)  
71.50 bc  
76.75 bc  
77.25 c  
78.50 c  
86.90 d  
68.70 b  
*Note: Figures accompanied by the same letter are not significantly different based on the LSD test at the 5% level  
Table 3 - Effect of RIM on various doses and combinations of manure application on sugarcane bud chip plant height.  
Shoots Growth Time (days)  
Plant Height (cm)  
Treatment  
30  
40  
50  
60  
70  
S0 (control)  
9.36  
10.56  
11.79 a  
13.25 a  
15.33 a  
S1 (RIM 5 g)  
S2 (RIM 10 g)  
S3 (RIM 20 g)  
S4 (RIM 5 g + manure )  
S5 (RIM 10 g + manure )  
9.58  
9.63  
9.78  
9.65  
9.77  
11.32  
11.39  
11.45  
11.36  
11.79  
13.55 b  
13.89 b  
14.55 bc  
13.78 bc  
15.44 cd  
14.88 b  
14.78 b  
15.36 bc  
14.99 bc  
15.89 c  
15.88 a  
16.22 b  
16.59 b  
16.55 b  
16.52 b  
S6 (RIM 20 g + manure )  
S7 (manure)  
BNT 5%  
9.82  
9.52  
Nr  
11.89  
11.22  
Nr  
15.88 d  
13.77  
1.5  
15.99 c  
14.33b  
0.8  
17.22 c  
15.89 a  
0.7  
*Note: Figures accompanied by the same letter are not significantly different based on the LSD test at the 5% level  
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Citation: Sudiarso and Prihandarini R (2020). Study of the utilization of rim (refresh microorganism) in sugarcane. Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 10(5): 210-215.  
Table 4 - Effect of RIM on various doses and combinations of manure application on the number of leaves of  
sugarcane bud chips  
Shoots Growth Time (days)  
Number of Leaves  
Treatment  
30  
40  
50  
60  
70  
S0 (control)  
S1 (RIM 5 g)  
S2 (RIM 10 g)  
S3 (RIM 20 g)  
S4 (RIM 5 g + manure )  
S5 (RIM 10 g + manure )  
S6 (RIM 20 g + manure )  
S7 (manure)  
1.36  
1.56  
3.79 a  
3.95 a  
5.33 a  
1.58  
1.63  
1.78  
1.65  
1.77  
1.82  
1.52  
nr  
1.82  
1.39  
1.45  
1.36  
1.79  
1.89  
1.22  
nr  
3.55 b  
3.89 b  
4.55 bc  
3.78 bc  
5.44 cd  
5.88 d  
3.77 bc  
1.5  
4.88 b  
4.78 b  
5.86 bc  
5.99 bc  
5.89 c  
5.99 c  
4.33 b  
0.5  
5.88 a  
6.22 b  
6.59 b  
6.55 b  
6.52 b  
6.22 b  
5.89 a  
0.7  
BNT 5%  
*Note: Figures accompanied by the same letter are not significantly different based on the LSD test at the 5% level  
N Total (%)  
K (me/100 g)  
20  
18  
16  
14  
12  
10  
8
S0  
S1  
S2  
S3  
S4  
S5  
S6  
S7  
0.9  
0.8  
0.7  
0.6  
0.5  
0.4  
0.3  
0.2  
0.1  
0
6
4
2
0
P (ppm)  
Ca (me/100 Mg (me/100 pH (H2O)  
g) g)  
S0  
S1  
S2  
S3  
S4  
S5  
S6  
S7  
Figure  
6 - Nutrient content of phosphorus, calcium,  
Figure 5 - Nitrogen and potassium nutrient content in  
sugarcane bud chip seeding research.  
magnesium and pH in sugarcane bud chip breeding  
research.  
DISCUSSION  
The results showed that from the time of growth the treatments given by RIM and the provision of manure and the  
combination (S0, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6 and S7) were not significantly different from the control (S0). However, the  
parameters of the proportion of plant proportions, plant height and number of plants treated with S0 (control) were  
significantly different from other treatments and the lowest treatment was at certain observation ages.  
This is because in the S0 treatment (control) there was no colony of RIM bacteria which was able to increase plant  
growth from hormones and some organic compounds produced by these bacteria (Hindersah et al., 2004; McMillan,  
2007). In addition to hormones and organic compounds, RIM can increase resistance to pathogen attack, for example  
Colletotrichum falcatum (Rahni, 2012), one way for RIM bacteria to increase plant resistance to pathogenic attack is by  
producing secondary metabolites such as siderophore. antibiotics, hydrogen cyanide, extracellular enzymes and induce  
plant resistance and are able to synthesize pathogenic cell wall degradation enzymes such as chitination, 1,3-glucanase,  
1,4-glucanase, cellulase, lipase and protease and produce 1-aminocyclopropane, ACC deaminase (Baharun et al., 2003;  
The results showed that the growth of bud chips with S0 treatment (control) was lower than that of other treatments  
(S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6 and S7) for certain parameters and age of observation. Giving RIM and manure could increase the  
percentage of shoot growth and plant height compared to the control. Observation data from several parameters that  
represent the growth of bud chip treatment S0 (control) is the observation data of bud chip plant height parameters where  
the S0 treatment (control) at the age of 70 DAS is almost equivalent to all treatments given RIM at the age of 60 DAP.  
This means that the growth of bud chip with S0 treatment (control) is slower than other treatments. This is in accordance  
with the results of research that the use of bacteria can increase growth compared to control treatment (Syamsuddin and  
Ulim, 2013). According to Suwahyono et al. (2011), the microbes contained in biological fertilizers when applied to plants  
can bind nitrogen from the air, dissolve phosphates that are bound in the soil and break down complex organic  
compounds into simpler compounds and stimulate plant growth.  
Trichoderma, Sacharomyces, Bacillus, Rhizobium, Azotobacter and Pseudomonas found in the RIM formulation can  
be consortium and work together to increase the acceleration of growth of shoots from clear sugarcane. Especially, if it is  
mixed with manure which is food for these bacteria, Suwahyono et al. (2011) stated that the combination treatment of N,  
P and K fertilizers as well as biological fertilizers produced a larger stem diameter compared to the single biological  
fertilizer treatment.  
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Citation: Sudiarso and Prihandarini R (2020). Study of the utilization of rim (refresh microorganism) in sugarcane. Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 10(5): 210-215.  
CONCLUSION  
Its concluded that the use of RIM's biological agents (such as refresh microorganisms) using Tricho derma,  
Sacharomyces, Bacillus, Rhizobium, Azotobacter and Pseudomonas bacteria can increase the growth of sugarcane buds.  
The combination of using RIM and manure can increase the number of leaves and the percentage of growth of sugarcane  
bud chips. It is necessary to continue research in the field in order to know the production and yield.  
DECLARATIONS  
Consent to publish  
Not applicable.  
Competing interests  
The authors declare that they have no competing interests.  
Authors’ Contribution  
All the three authors reviewed the paper and contributed in developing the content.  
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Citation: Sudiarso and Prihandarini R (2020). Study of the utilization of rim (refresh microorganism) in sugarcane. Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 10(5): 210-215.