Field evaluation of sweet corn (Zea mays L. convar. saccharata) applied with varying levels of peanut shell bio-slurry
2023
Hernan, C.C. | Taban-Paclar, B.G.P. | Aradilla, A.R. | Salingay, R.O.
To overcome inadequate sweet corn (Zea mays L. convar. saccharata) production in Bukidnon [Philippines], various techniques have been developed to increase production. Organic fertilization is one of the crucial components in the process of increasing sweet corn production. Peanut Shell Bio-slurry (PSBS) is an organic waste that can be utilized as organic fertilizer when comminuted. The aim of the study was to determine the influence of PSBS on the growth and yield of sweet corn as well as assess the economic viability of cultivating sweet corn while using PSBS. A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Experiment Center, Central Mindanao University, Maramag, Bukidnon, from January to April 2023. It was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) consisting of seven treatments with three replications, namely: T1 = control, T2 = RRIF (80-60-45 NPK kg/ha), T3 = 100 L/ha PSBS, T4=125 L/ha PSBS, T5 = 150 L/ha PSBS, T6 = 200 L/ha PSBS, and T7 = 300 L/ha PSBS. Results revealed that PSBS levels were not able to significantly influence the growth components of sweet corn. Meanwhile, yield characteristics as indicated by ear height, length, diameter, number, and percentage of marketable ears per hectare, and sweetness were significantly influenced by the application of PSBS. Applying 200 L/ha PSBS provided the greatest growth and yield and reduced chemical fertilizer costs, leading to the highest increase in gross income (Php 944,989.59), net income (Php 878,262.34), and ROI (13.16). Overall, the application of 200 L/ha PSBS is the optimal level for sweet corn production in the study area. Yet, as this finding only applies to one cropping season, a verification trial should be conducted during the wet season to validate the results.
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