Evaluation of the Impact of a Fertilizer Mixture from Plant Extracts and Urea on Corn Yield in Vietnam

Abstract

This study evaluates the impact of a fertilizer mixture combining plant extracts and urea on the growth and yield of NK54 maize in Vietnam. The experimental design included five treatments with different combinations of urea and plant extracts, compared against a control treatment. Growth parameters such as plant height, leaf number, leaf area, and leaf area index (LAI) were monitored throughout the growing season. The results indicated that the application of urea-coated plant extracts significantly improved growth duration, plant height, and leaf development compared to conventional urea fertilization. Specifically, treatments using the urea-plant extract mixture achieved higher plant heights and leaf area, with Treatment T3 (9 ml concentrated extract + 1 kg Urea) showing the highest theoretical and actual yields. The theoretical yield ranged from 63.62 to 68 q/ha, and the actual yield ranged from 43.7 to 48.4 q/ha, with Treatment T3 consistently outperforming others. The findings suggest that integrating plant extracts with urea can enhance maize growth and yield, highlighting the importance of optimizing fertilization strategies for improving crop productivity.