Effect of plant spacing and type of P fertilizer on soil chemical properties and yield of maize on C type swampland South Kalimantan

Abstract

Tidal swampland is one of the suboptimal lands need technology to increasethe yield of maize crops and soil quality. This study aimed to determine the effect of plant spacing and types of P fertilizer on the chemical properties of soil and maize yields, was carried out in type C tidal swampland, and arranged in factorial Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD). The first factor was the plant spacing, consisting of legowo and zigzag planting system. The second factor was the application of P fertilizer types, namely 1000 kg ha−1 RPR, 250 kg ha−1 SP-36, 1000 kg ha−1 Guano Phosphate, and without P. The results showed that the treatments of P fertilizer type could increase the pH value and available P-nutrient content. Total N content at legowo plant spacing was higher than at zigzag spacing. The highest available K content in all treatments was at 60 days after planting. The zig zag spacing is significant in increasing maize yield by 30% compared to legowo spacing. The provision of RPR fertilizer increased maize yield significantly up to 20%. Therefore, the zigzag spacing and the provision of RPR fertilizer are recommended for maize cultivation in type C tidal swamplands.