Foliar application of micro cattle bone ash in increasing growth and yield of sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata Sturt.)

Abstract

Cattle bone ash contains high calcium and phosphor that can be used as foliar fertilizer. The foliar application requires particles whose size must be smaller than the stomatal size. The study is expected to increase the growth and the production of sweet corn by applying cattle bone ash to sweet corn through foliar application. The experiment was conducted in a complete randomized design with five treatments; without cattle bone ash application, 0.1 %, 0.2 %, 0.3%, and 0.4% of cattle bone ash concentration. Cattle bone ash dominated with particles smaller than stomatal size and contained high calcium, oxygen and phosphor with little of sodium and magnesium. The result showed that 0.3% application of micro cattle bone ash could enhance leaves area, root dry weight, net assimilation rate, ear weight, and 100 kernels weight of sweet corn.