Growth and production of sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata Sturt.) as an intercrop in immature oil palm plantations (TBM 2) on dystrudepts soil given MB green manure (Mucuna bracteata) and NPK fertilizer

Abstract

This research aims to examine the interaction, the main effects of Mucuna bracteata green fertilizer, NPK and obtain a combination that produces the highest production of sweet corn. The research was carried out in Kembang Damai Village, Pagaran Tapah Darussalam District, Rokan Hulu Regency from April to July 2023. The research was carried out experimentally using a factorial randomized block design, where factor I was the provision of Mucuna bracteata green fertilizer consisting of 3 levels, namely 4.18 . t.ha -1 , 8.36 t.ha -1 and 12.54 t.ha -1 . Factor II is the provision of NPK which consists of 3 levels, namely 0.1 t.ha -1 , 0, 2 t.ha -1 and 0.3 t.ha -1 , so there are 9 treatment combinations and they are repeated 3 times, so there are 27 experimental units. The parameters observed were the amount of chlorophyll, photosynthesis rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductivity, and CO2 concentration in cells, plant height, time when female flowers appeared, harvest age, weight of cobs with husks, and weight of cobs without husks. The variance data was further tested using Duncan's multiple distance test at the 5% level. The results of the research showed that there was an interaction between Mucuna bracteata and NPK green manure treatment on the parameters of female flower emergence time, harvest age and husk ear weight, but not on other parameters . The application of Mucuna bracteata green fertilizer had a significant effect on the time the female flowers appeared, the age of harvest, and the weight of the husk cobs. NPK fertilizer has a significant effect on harvest age and husk cob weight. Providing Mucuna bracteata green fertilizer 12.5 t.ha -1 and NPK 0.2 t.ha -1 is a combination that provides higher production results in the weight parameter of husk cobs, namely 527,833 g per plant.