The effect of organic and inorganic fertilizer applications on N, P-uptake, K-uptake and yield of sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata Sturt)

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of organic fertilizer (i.e. cow manure) and inorganic fertilizer application on nutrient uptake and yield of sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata Sturt). Inceptisols possesses low soil fertility and relatively low to moderate level of organic matter content. Application of organic fertilizer in combination with inorganic fertilizers is expected to increase N, P and K uptake and yield of sweet corn. This study has been conducted from October 2018 to February 2019 at the Field Experiment of Agriculture Faculty, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, West Java. The study was performed in a Randomized Block Design consisting of 10 treatments and 3 replications. The treatments were as follow: A = Control, B = Standard NPK, C = 0 NPK + 1 organic fertilizer, D = ¼ NPK + 1 organic fertilizer, E = ½ NPK + 1 organic fertilizer, F = ¾ NPK + 1 organic fertilizer, G = 1 NPK + 1 organic fertilizer, H = ¾ NPK + ¼ organic fertilizer, I = ¾ NPK + ½ organic fertilizer and J = ¾ NPK + ¾ organic fertilizer. The results showed that the treatment I (¾ NPK + ½ organic fertilizer) resulted the highest N, P and K uptake, i.e. 52.11 mg plant−1; 80.85 mg plant−1 and 54.17 mg plant−1, respectively and the heaviest weight of sweet corn of 400.15 g.