Liquid Organic Fertilizer from Plant Extracts Improves the Growth, Yield and Quality of Sweet Corn ( Zea mays L. var. saccharate )

摘要

The objective of this research was to study the effect of concentration and dose of liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) derived from an extract mixture derived from lamtoro leaves, banana humps, and coconut fibers on the growth, yield, quality, and nutrient uptake of sweet corn. Experiment 1 comprised six treatments, namely a control without LOF, recommended inorganic fertilizers, and LOF at a concentration of 15 ml l-1, 30 ml l-1, 45 ml l-1, or 60 ml l -1. Experiment 2 consisted of five treatments, namely recommended inorganic fertilizers, and LOF doses of 25 l ha-1, 50 l ha-1, 75 l ha-1 or 100 l ha-1. Results showed that LOF consistently increased the growth, yield and quality of sweet corn. Application of LOF with a concentration of 60 ml l-1 or a dose of 100 l ha-1 showed the highest yield compared to other treatments. The quality of sweet corn increased markedly. It was concluded that LOF could be applied as an additional supplement to inorganic fertilizers used for sweet corn organic farming in the tropics.