EFFECT OF PLANT SPACING AND NPK FERTILIZER RATES ON PRODUCTION AND SEED QUALITY OF SWEET CORN (Zea mays saccharata Sturt)

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1 EFFECT OF PLANT SPACING AND NPK FERTILIZER RATES ON PRODUCTION AND SEED QUALITY OF SWEET CORN (Zea mays saccharata Sturt) Departement of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Jember University Telp ; Fax l; Abstract The purpose of this experiment was to determine the effect of plant spacing and NPK fertilizer rate on production and quality of sweet corn seed. The experiment was conducted in the experimental field, in Arjasa Village, Jember and in Seed Technology Laboratory of the University of Jember, from May to November It s using a 3x3 factorial design, and repeated three times. The first factor was NPK application rates (300, 450, and 600 kg Ponska ha-1) and plant spacing levels (75 cm x 25 cm = plants ha -1 ; 75 cm x 25 cm = plants ha -1 ; and 75 cm x 35 cm = plants ha-1) as the second factors. The result showed that application rate of 600 kg ha-1npk (Ponska:15:15:15) increasing sweet corn yield and quality particularly in the study area. However, increasing of plant density plot by widening plant spacing reduced the yield production and quality significantly. Key words: sweet corn, plant spacing, nitrogen application rate, seed production and quality Introduction Sweet corn is the most of vegetable crop because of its delicious taste, high in fiber and sugar content, potassium, folic acid, and vitamin A. In Indonesia, the development of sweet corn is still low when compared with other country. The main problem of sweet corn farmers is the high price of seed and intensive cultivation techniques in planting. In 2011, sweet corn seed demand in Indonesia, as much as tons. Nevertheless, local seed producers can only produce 250 to 300 tons, and the remainder met from imported seed (Glenn, 2012). On the other hand, the price of imported seeds in the market ranging from IDR to srihartatik1@yahoo.com ,000 kg -1, more expensive than the local seed prices ranging from IDR to , kg -1. However the used of local seed have great adaptability. Thus the provision of sweet corn seeds and cultivation techniques independently be an alternative raw resolution of problems faced sweet corn growers. Fertilization and plant spacing affect the production and quality of sweet corn (Oktem and Oktem, 2005). Sweet corn 1 requires adequate supply of nutrients particulary nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium for good growth and high yield. Nitrogen is a vital plant nutrient and a major yield determining factor required for maize production (Adediran and Banjoko, 1995) It is very essential for plant growth and makes up 1 to 4 percent of dry matter of the plants. In

2 the other hand, Brady (1984) states that Nitrogen is the key element in increasing yield and mediates the utilization of potassium, phosphorus and other elements in plants. The optimum amounts of these elements in the soils cannot be utilized efficiency if nitrogen is deficient in plants. Nitrogen is a component of protein and nucleic acids and when Nitrogen is suboptimal, growth and sweet corn yield is reduced (Haque et al., 2001). Oktem and Oktem (2005) reported that increasing Nitrogen application rates from 150 until 350 kg N ha-1, increased ear length, ear diameter, kernel number per ear and single fresh ear weight of sweet corn. Torbertet et al. (2001) found that yield and yield component of maize were increased by increasing the rate of applied nitrogen. Phosphorus is another essential nutrient required to increase maize yield. The important of phoshorus as yield limiting factor has been reported. Phosphorus plays an importance part in many physiological processes that occur within developing and maturating plant. Onasanya et al. (2009) reported that application rate of 120 kgn/ha + 40 kgp/ha significantly enhanced grain yield. The other hand, potassium plays a role in the formation of flowers and fruit. Potassium functions in the process of formation of sugars and starches, sugar translocation, enzyme activity and stomatal movement. However, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium requirement and utilization in sweet corn also depend on environmental factors link irrigation, varieties and soil fertility. Sweet corn does have some specific environmental and cultural needs for its growth. Sometimes the ears do not fill out at the tips. Poor kernel development at the tip is often caused by: 1) hot, dry weather during silking and pollination; 2) planting seeds too close together; 3) low soil fertility; 4) poor natural pollination; and 5) unsuitable plant density (inter and intra row spaces). The objective of this study was to determine the optimum of Nitrogen application and plant spacing on production and seed quality of sweet corn. Materials And Methods Field experiments were carried out in Arjasa Village (60 to 175,45 meters above sea level; 168 mm year-1 average rainy day; and a temperature range of 230C - 320C) in May to November Soil analysis of the research area showed the total N content of 0.11%, amounting to ppm P, K of 2.05 grams me/100. While the quality of seed testing done in the Laboratory of Seed 2 T e c h n o l o g y, Faculty of A g r i c u l t u r e, University of Jember. Population of sweet corn hybrid that was developed by Plant Breeding Laboratory, was used as a crop m a t e r i a l. The experiment was set up as a 3x3 factorials design with three replications. The first factors were plant spacing (J) (75 cm x 25 cm = plants ha -1 ; 75 cm x 25 cm = plants ha -1 ; and 75 cm x 35 cm = plants ha-1) and the second factors were NPK application rate (D) (300, 450 and 600 kg Ponska ha -1 ). Data was analyzed according to Steel and Torrie ( ). Differences between treatment means were compared at P=5% with ANOVA in order to find the statistically significant differences. The treatment means were separated using the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% level of probability. The statistical analysis of the data was realized using the SPSS 17 logistic package. The sweet corn was sown manually. According to the treatment, seed was planted at a depth of 2-3 cm. NPK sources used for the experiment was Ponska (15:15:15). As much as 200 kg ha -1 was applied in all treatment for N adequate supply. Half of the nitrogen should be applied preplant and the other half when four to five leaves are fully 65

3 expanded. A traditional irrigation system was used with an irrigation frequency of 3-7 days, depending on rainfall. The weeds on the row were destroyed manually. All plants were grown using standard, optimal cultural practices maize production (Hartatik, 2007). To control insects and diseases, Furadan 3 G and Decis 2,5 EC were applied in the plantation. Additional applications of foliar insecticides and fungicide were made as needed to maintain healthy plants produce healthy seeds. Sweet corn seed production assessed based on some characters for yield components i.e. ear lenght, ear diameter, ear weight, ear weight per plot, percentage of seed cob, kernel weight per plot and seed yied. In addition, seed quality were assessed based on weigh of 1000 seeds, uniformity of seed, power grows, germination percentage, simultaneity germinate and germination speed i n d e x. Results All characteristics of sweet corn productivity and seed qualities were nalysed by ANOVA that is according to Steel and 66

4 Torrie (1989). The result shown in Table 1. As seen Table 1, plant spacing (J) and NPK application rate (D) were significant (p = 0,01) for kernel weight per ear, kernel weight per plot and simultaneity g e r m i n a t e, respectively, and significant (p=0,05) for germination percentage. J x D interactions were found significant (p=0,05) on uniformity of seed and power grows. The effect of plant spacing and NPK application rate on seed productivity of sweet corn presented in Table 2. component of sweet corn Ear Length: There were no significant differences in the ear length among the treatment (Table 1). Increased NPK application and plant density tend increased the ear length. Ear length was the longest at 600 kg ha-1npk application and plant spacing on 75 x 25 cm ( plant ha-1). Ear diameter: The data in Table 2 showed tend the ear diameter affected by plant spacing and NPK application rate. Ear diameter range from 4,49 cm at 300kg to 4,63 cm at 600 kg ha -1 Ponska application. Although there is a decrease in the diameter of the ear due to widening plant spacing, but not statistically s i g n i f i c a n t Ear Weight: There was no significant differences in the dry ear weight among the treatment (Table 1). The result presented in Table 2 not showed different values on the treatment given. Kernel weight per ear: Kernel weight per ear was different significantly affected by the different plant spacing and NPK application rate. The data presented in Table 2 showed the highest kernel weight per ear was recorded in 75 x 35 cm of plant spacing. and 450 kg Ponska/ ha fertilizer. Seed yield: In this experiment, plant spacing and NPK fertilization rate have no significantly effect to the seed yield of sweet corn. However, the treatment of plant spacing 75 x 30 cm and 450 kg ha-1 NPK fertilizer tend to give highest results for seed yield. Weigh of 1000 seeds and Germination speed index: Some characters have assesed for seed quality. There were no significant different on weigh of 1000 seeds and germination speed index affected by different plant spacing and NPK fertilizer rate (Table 3.) Germination percentage and Simultaneity germinate: The germination percentage and simultaneity germinate w e r e different across the treatments. Plant 67

5 spacing at 75 x 25 cm and 75 x 35 cm give the germination persentage and simultaneity germinate were higher than 75 x 30 cm plant spacing. Considering NPK application rates, germination percentage ranged from 75,56 % (600 kg ha -1 Ponska) to 84,89 % (300 kg ha -1 Ponska). However, increasing of NPK application rate caused the decreased and 600 kg ha-1ponska interaction). D i s c u s s i o n The result obtained from this research showed that different plant spacing ang NPK application rate tend different of productivity and seed quality. Increasing of plant density tend decreased productivity of sweet corn. In this experiment, high density plant cause shorter ear of simultaneity germinate (Table 3). Uniformity of Seed: Table 4 showed that the lowest uniformity of seed value was obtained from 75 x 30 cm plant spacing x 300 kg ha -1 Ponska (71,16 % ) and the highest (88,50) from 75 x 30 cm plant spacing and 600 kg ha-1ponska application interactions. Seed Power Grows: There was significant interaction of plant spacing and NPK application rate on seed power grows (Table 5). Seed power grows value range from 53,33 % (plant spacing 75 x 35 cm and 300 kg ha -1 Ponska application) to 78,67 % (75x25 cm plant spacing 68 length and ear diameter. In addition, the lower ear weight was found at the higer plant density plot. According to Oktem et al., (2001), ear length and diameter were decreased cause by increasing the plant density plot. Stone et al., (1998) reported that shorter ear and lower ear diameter were found at low plant density plot. Planting corn in narrow-row spacing results in an increased light interception for each individual plant. The less light available to the ground, the fewer weeds survive to draw nutrients away from the plant. With less area between plants, the

6 leaf canopy is able to completely close over the ground faster. With reduced row spacing, more corn can be planted in a given area. However, studies show that there may be a point in which there is a reduction of the quality of produced corn as space narrows and plant density increases. Improved yield and quality of sweet corn in the crop is also affected by proper fertilization. Plants need fertilizer N, P, and K for its growth. The response of sweet corn to application of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer varies from location to location depends on the availability of the nutrients. According to Soil Research and Development Center, with levels of total-n <0.2%, P2O5 levels> 22 ppm, and KCL levels> 0.4 me/100gram, the fertilizer were applied at 300 kg urea ha -1 (135 kg N), 100 kg SP-36 ha -1 (36 kg P2O5), and 50 kg KCl ha -1, respectively (Nursyamsi et al., 2002). Lower application rate of NPK and increased of plant density result in lower of seed yield component and quality, i.e. ear length, ear diameter, ear weight, kernel weight/ ear, k e r n e l weight/plot, seed yield, weigh of 1000 seeds, gerimation persentage and simultaneity germinate. Andri (2005) suggests that potassium fertilization with a dose of 100 kg ha- 1 gave the best response on the growth and yield of sweet corn. In the other hand, Tuherkih (2008) showed that NPK fertilization between kg / ha gave a response equivalent to a single fertilizer containing N, P, and K on the growth of plant height and yield on maize.. Conclusion This study further confirms the role of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers in increasing production dan seed quality of sweet corn. From the result of the experiment, application rate of 600 kg ha-1npk (Ponska:15:15:15) may be recommended for increasing sweet corn yield particularly in the study area. However, increasing of plant density plot by widening plant spacing reduced the yield production and quality significantly. Acknowledgments The authors thank M Sugiono, Ibnul Danursyamsi, and Aida Nur Anggraini for encouragement and help in the field, The work was supported, by a grant from the DP2M, Dirjen DIKTI. References Andri H (2005). Studi Pemupukan Kalium T e r h a d a p Pertumbuhan Dan Hasil Jagung Manis (Zea mays saccharata Sturt) Varietas Super Bee. ISSN : Adediran JA and VA Banjoko (1995). Response of Maize to Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium fertilizers in the savanna zone of Nigeria. Commun. Soil Sci. Plant Anal., 26: Brady NC (1984). The nature and properties of S o i l s. Macmillan P u b l i s h i n g Company, New York, pp: Glenn (2012). Kebutuhan Benih Jagung M e l a m b u n g. bkpm.go.id/newsipid/id/disp layberita.php?in=259&ia=0. April 5th,

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