The Effect of NPK Fertilizer on the Growth and Yield of Sweet Corn (Zea mays Saccharata Sturt.) with Various Planting Arrangements

Abstract

Planting layout arrangements greatly influence the sweet corn population and crop yields per unit area. Planting layout arrangements are related to plant spacing, plant spacing that is too wide causes too little population, while plant spacing that is too tight results in competition between plants. Fertilization of macronutrients such as NPK is needed to meet the needs of plants in the maximum population. The research was carried out from May to July 2023 in Jetis Village, Jetis District, Ponorogo Regency, East Java Province, Indonesia. The experiment used a split-plot design with NPK fertilizer dosage as the main plot and planting pattern as a subplot. The NPK dosage consists of three levels, namely 200 kg ha-1, 300 kg ha-1 and 400 kg ha-1, while the planting pattern consists of four levels, namely single row, jajar legowo 3:1, jajar legowo 2: 1 and ring pit pattern. The research results show that differences in planting layout influence the microclimate around sweet corn plants which includes temperature, relative humidity and sunlight intensity. The ringpit planting layout shows a higher population and yield compared to other planting patterns. The single row planting pattern showed the lowest growth and yield of sweet corn. NPK fertilization with doses of 300 kg ha-1 and 400 kg ha-1 can increase the growth and yield of sweet corn plants.