Dry Matter Yield and NPK Uptake of Sweet Corn as Influenced by Fertilizer Application

Field experiment was conducted to determine the impact of fertilizer on the dry matter and nutrient uptake of sweet corn (Zea mays L. var Saccharata) under conventional tillage operation at the research station in Central Mindanao University of the Institute of Plant Breeding-University of the Philippines, Los Baños (IPB-UPLB) at Bukidnon, Philippines on February 2016 to May 2016.

The application of full recommended rate of inorganic fertilizer has shown great consistency among the parameters undertaken being the greatest, however, post hoc analysis would say that the difference present was not significant from each other. The significant influence was executed by the application of fertilizers towards the dry matter yield of sweet corn in stover and in grains as well as on the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake. The application of full recommended rate of inorganic fertilizer may be consistently the highest, however, comparison of means declares that no significant difference was present between the full recommended rate alone (T2) and that of the full recommended rate of inorganic fertilizer + 1-ton Vermicompost ha-1 (T6). Soil pH was greatly affected by the application of inorganic fertilizer alone. Moreover, the application of ½ RRIF + 2 tons of Vermicompost ha-1 caused significant effects towards the organic matter content (%) of the soil at harvest.

The application of full recommended rate of inorganic fertilizer alone and the combination of the recommended rate of inorganic fertilizer plus Vermicompost are possible ways that may be undertaken in order to have great dry matter yield in stover and in grains along with the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake of sweet corn plants. Higher dry matter and nutrient uptake will give way towards higher efficiency being an indicator towards sweet corn productivity under Bukidnon condition along with the possibility of maintaining the quality of the soil of Bukidnon, Philippines.