Optimization of Growth and Yield of Glutinous Corn with the Application of Amelioran Formulation Plus Mycorrhza on Sandy Soil

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed at optimizing the growth and yield of glutinous corn through the application of an ameliorant formulation enriched with biological mycorrhizal fertilizer on sandy soil. Study Design: The research was carried out using a Randomized Block Design.  Place and Duration of Study: The research was conducted in Telaga Wareng Village, Pemenang Barat District, North Lombok Regency, Indonesia. Methodology: Five ameliorant treatments tested were: F1: 75% cow manure + 25% biological mycorrhizal fertilizer, F2: 75% compost + 25% biological mycorrhizal fertilizer, F3: 75% "fertile" fertilizer + 25% biological mycorrhizal fertilizer, F4: 75% rice husk charcoal + 25% biological mycorrhizal fertilizer, and F5: 20% cow manure + 20% compost + 20% "fertile" fertilizer + 20% rice husk charcoal + 20% biological mycorrhizal fertilizer. Each treatment was repeated four times, resulting in 20 experimental plots. The observed parameters were plant height, number of leaves, wet and dry biomass weight per plant, wet and dry cob weight per plot, soil nutrient concentrations (total nitrogen and available phosphorus), nutrient uptake (nitrogen and phosphorus), mycorrhizal spore count, root colonization, and crop yield. Data were subjected to Analysis of Variance and where necessary followed by Honestly significant Different test at 5% level of significant. Results: The 20% mixed ameliorant formulation (F5) produced the best results, significantly (P<0.05) optimizing the growth and yield of glutinous corn. This treatment improved plant height, biomass weight, cob weight and length, soil nutrient concentrations (total nitrogen and available phosphorus), nutrient uptake, mycorrhizal spore count, and root colonization. Conclusion: The application of a 20% mixed ameliorant formulation consisting of cow manure, compost, "fertile" fertilizer, rice husk charcoal, and biological mycorrhizal fertilizer significantly (P<0.05) enhanced growth, yield, and soil nutrient utilization efficiency in glutinous corn grown on sandy soil.