Effects of microbial fertilizer on the performance of sweetcorn (Zea mays Subsp. Mays)
2023
Viloria, R. | Molon, C.R. | Gatbonton, Ma.C.C.
Corn (Zea mays), the second most important crop in the Philippines, is rich in vitamins, carbohydrates, and essential minerals. Yet, the crop is a heavy-feeder, requiring nitrogen-rich soil. This study was conducted in Laguna, Philippines in July to October 2021 to evaluate the viability of a microbial fertilizer in reducing the rate of inorganic fertilizer while improving the growth and yield of sweetcorn. The treatments used were: Treatment 1 (Control) - 100% of Recommended Rate of Fertilizer (RRF); Treatment 2 - 75% of RRF + Microbial Fertilizer; Treatment 3 - 50% of RRF + Microbial Fertilizer; and Treatment 4 - 25% of RRF + Microbial Fertilizer. Each treatment was replicated 4 times following a RCBD and the data collected were analyzed using the ANOVA and LSD. The treatments applied produced significant differences in terms of plant height, ear length, biomass, weight of unhusked and husked corn ears, and yield of sweet corn. No significant differences, however, were observed on the number of leaves, number of days from seeding to tasseling and silking, number and diameter of corn ears. Yield data revealed that the harvest and income per hectare from plants fertilized with 75% of RRF + Microbial Fertilizer (21.10 tons) were significantly higher compared with the rest of the treated plants, with yields of 20.25, 20.03, and 18.70 tons/hectare from Treatments 1, 3, and 4, respectively. It is concluded that the application of microbial fertilizer in sweet corn can well reduce the amount of the required rate of inorganic fertilizer, yet considerably increase the harvest and net income. The 25% reduction in the amount of inorganic fertilizer and the application of microbial fertilizer could promote microbial diversity in the rhizosphere. The restoration of microbial community and improved nutrient uptake can contribute to improving soil productivity and conservation of the agro-ecosystem.
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