Synergistic Effects of Cattle Manure and Mycorrhizal Inoculation on Growth, Yield, and Soil Biological Activity of Sweet Corn (Zea mays L. var. saccharata) Grown in Sandy Soils

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the synergistic effects of cattle manure and mycorrhizal inoculation on the growth, yield, and soil biological activity of sweet corn grown in sandy soils. Study Design: The study was conducted following a Randomized Block Design (RBD). Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Moncok Village, Ampenan District, Mataram City, Indonesia, from February to July 2025. Methodology: This study evaluated the effects of five treatments combining cattle manure and mycorrhizal inoculation as follows: P0, control (without cattle manure or mycorrhiza); P1, cattle manure at 10 t ha⁻¹ without mycorrhiza; P2, mycorrhiza at 3 t ha⁻¹ without cattle manure; P3, a combination of cattle manure at 5 t ha⁻¹ and mycorrhiza at 1.5 t ha⁻¹; and P4, a combination of cattle manure at 10 t ha⁻¹ and mycorrhiza at 3 t ha⁻¹. The measured parameters included plant height, number of leaves, fresh and dry ear weight per plant, fresh ear weight per plot, fresh and dry biomass weight per plot, as well as mycorrhizal spore density and root colonization. Results: The combined application of cattle manure and mycorrhizal biofertilizer (P4) resulted in a significant increase (P < 0.05) in ear weight and plant biomass compared with other treatments. From a biological perspective, this treatment also significantly enhanced mycorrhizal spore populations and root colonization levels, indicating the establishment of an optimal symbiotic relationship between mycorrhiza and the host plant. Conclusion: The combination of cattle manure at 10 t ha⁻¹ and mycorrhiza at 3 t ha⁻¹ had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on increasing plant growth, yield, and mycorrhizal activity of sweet corn grown in sandy soil.