GROWTH AND YIELD OF SWEET CORN (ZEA MAYS SACCHARATA) AT VARIOUS NPK FERTILIZER DOSES AND LIQUID ORGANIC FERTILIZER CONCENTRATIONS

Background:The aim of this research was to obtain thebest concentration of liquid organic fertilizer at each dose of NPK fertilizer on the growth and yield of sweet corn.

Methodology:This research was conducted at the Academic Garden, Agriculture Faculty, Tadulako University from August to November 2021.The first factor was the NPK dose consisting of 3 levels, i.e., 200 kg ha^-1, 300 kg ha^-1, and 400 kg ha^-1. The second factor was the concentration of liquid organic fertilizer consisting of 3 levels, i.e.,without POC, 10% POC, and 20% POC. There were 9 combinations of treatments with 3 tests. The data were analyzed using the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), then followed by the 5% level.

Results : The results showed that 20% POC administration resulted in a larger cob at each dose of NPK. The administration of 400 kg ha^-1NPK resulted in a larger cob at each POC concentration. Feeding of 400 kg ha^-1NPK achieved better growth and yield characterized by higher plants, larger stems, longer and heavier cobs.

Conclusion : The result showed that 20% liquid organic fertilizers obtained better results characterized by longer and heavier cobs.