Effect of combination of NPK and nano silica on the levels of β-carotene and nutritional value of corn (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

Maize plant growth can be improved by the addition of a combination of fertilizer such as nano silica and NPK. Nano silica is a fertilizer that contains micro-nutrients Si which is needed by monocotyl plants to support its growth while NPK fertilizer contains macronutrient such as N, P, and K. NPK fertilizer combination with nano silica aimed at reducing the use of chemical fertilizers but still can improve corn production This study was conducted to determine the effect of optimal combination of nano silica fertilizer and NPK fertilizers in improving the levels of β-carotene and nutritional value of corn (Zea mays L.). Fertilization of nano silica is done by spraying the leaves and stalks of corn plants. NPK fertilizer is given on the edge of the corn crop at a distance of 5 cm from maize, while the dose is given by calculating fertilizer requirement per plant by a dose of fertilizer per plant. There are 5 treatments in this study: P0 (without any fertilizer); P1 (25% n anosilica+ 75% NPK); P2 (50% nano silica + 50% NPK); P3 (75% nano silica + 25% NPK); P4 (100% nano silica + 0% NPK); P5 (0% nano silica+ 100% NPK). Each treatment was repeated 3 times. The parameters of this study consisted of the content of β-Carotene and measured using spectrometry and nutritional value i.e. total carbohydrates, crude protein, crude fiber, fat content, ash content, and moisture content were determined by proximate analyzed. The data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) if there is a significant difference result can be followed by Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at the 95% significance level. The results show that the combination of nano silica fertilizer and NPK fertilizer have effects on levels of β-carotene and nutritional value of corn (Zea mays L.). The combined use of NPK fertilizer and nano silica increase beta-carotene and nutritional value compared to corn plants that were not given fertilizer. The most optimal combination of fertilization to maximize the growth of maize is 75% of nano silica fertilizer and 25% NPK fertilizer.