The application of ameliorants combined with mycorrhizal inoculants can enhance the fertility of sandy soil by improving its physical, chemical, and biological properties. This research aims to evaluate the influence of ameliorant and mycorrhiza application on growth performance and yield of glutinous maize. A randomized block design was employed, consisting of five treatments: F1: 75% cow manure + 25% mycorrhizal inoculant; F2: 75% compost + 25% mycorrhizal inoculant; F3: 75% 'Subur' organic fertilizer + 25% mycorrhizal inoculant; F4: 75% rice husk biochar + 25% mycorrhizal inoculant; and F5: a mixture of 20% cow manure, 20% compost, 20% 'Subur' organic fertilizer, 20% rice husk biochar, and 20% mycorrhizal inoculant. The results indicate that the use of a balanced organic ameliorant mixture with 20% mycorrhiza can significantly improve sandy soil fertility, as well as the growth and productivity of glutinous maize. The F5 treatment, which consists of 20% cow manure, 20% compost, 20% 'Subur' organic fertilizer, 20% rice husk biochar, and 20% mycorrhizal inoculant, is recommended as the best practice for cultivating glutinous maize on sandy soils.
Read full abstract