Growth Response Of Sweet Corn (Zea Mays L.) As A Result Of The Administration Of Liquid Organic Fertilizer (POC) Durian Skin (Durio Zibethinus Murr.)

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Growth Response of Sweet Corn (Zea mays L.) as a Result of the Administration of Liquid Organic Fertilizer (POC) Durian Skin (Durio Zibethinus Murr.)

Introduction

The use of organic fertilizers has become increasingly popular in recent years due to their environmentally friendly nature and potential to improve agricultural output. One such organic fertilizer is the liquid organic fertilizer (POC) derived from durian fruit skin (Durio Zibethinus Murr.). This study aims to investigate the growth response of sweet corn plants (Zea mays L.) to the application of POC and determine the best concentration of these fertilizers for optimal growth.

Background

Sweet corn (Zea mays L.) is one of the most widely cultivated crops in the world, and its growth and productivity are crucial for food security. However, the use of synthetic fertilizers has been linked to environmental degradation and soil pollution. Therefore, the search for alternative and environmentally friendly fertilizers has become a pressing concern. Liquid organic fertilizers, such as POC, have been shown to be effective in promoting plant growth and improving soil fertility.

Methodology

This study was conducted using a complete randomized design (CRD) consisting of five treatments, namely four POC concentrations (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) and one control without POC. The POC used was made through the fermentation process for two weeks with the addition of EM4 as an inoculum. The resulting POC had a pH of 4.69 with C-organic, total N, and P2O5 content of 1.33%, 0.10%, and 0.15%, respectively.

Growth Variables

Some of the growth variables measured in this study include:

  • Plant height
  • Root length
  • Stem diameter
  • Number of leaves
  • Leaf area
  • Canopy dry weight
  • Root dry weight
  • Canopy and root ratios
  • Relative growth rates
  • Chlorophyll A content
  • Chlorophyll B content
  • Total chlorophyll content

Results

The results of this study showed that the POC application at a concentration of 25% gave a significant response to plant height, root length, dry weight, and dry root weight. Meanwhile, the POC concentration 100% gave a significant response to the relative growth rate and chlorophyll B, while the ratio of roots, chlorophyll A, and total chlorophyll were more influenced by the 75% POC concentration. Variables such as the number of leaves, leaves, and stem diameter did not show significant differences between treatments.

Discussion

The results of this study indicate that the 25% POC concentration gave the best response to the growth of sweet corn plants. This is likely due to the optimal balance of nutrients and pH in the POC, which supported the physical growth of plants. The application of POC from durian skin not only supports the physical growth of plants but also affects the health and productivity of plants through increasing chlorophyll content, which is important for photosynthesis.

Conclusion

The use of POC from durian skin can be an alternative fertilizer that is environmentally friendly and effective to improve agricultural output, especially in sweet corn cultivation. The importance of this study lies in the innovation of the use of organic waste, such as durian skin, which is often discarded. By utilizing these waste into liquid organic fertilizer, we not only reduce waste but also make a positive contribution to agricultural sustainability.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations can be made:

  • The use of POC from durian skin as an alternative fertilizer for sweet corn cultivation.
  • The application of 25% POC concentration for optimal growth and productivity of sweet corn plants.
  • Further research on the use of POC from durian skin for other crops and its potential to improve agricultural output.

Limitations

This study has some limitations, including:

  • The use of a small sample size and limited number of treatments.
  • The lack of control over environmental factors that may affect plant growth.
  • The need for further research to confirm the results of this study.

Future Directions

Future research should focus on:

  • Investigating the use of POC from durian skin for other crops and its potential to improve agricultural output.
  • Developing more efficient methods for producing POC from durian skin.
  • Conducting further research on the effects of POC on plant growth and productivity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study has shown that the use of POC from durian skin can be an effective and environmentally friendly alternative fertilizer for sweet corn cultivation. The results of this study have important implications for agricultural sustainability and the reduction of waste. Further research is needed to confirm the results of this study and to explore the potential of POC from durian skin for other crops.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Growth Response of Sweet Corn (Zea mays L.) to the Administration of Liquid Organic Fertilizer (POC) Durian Skin (Durio Zibethinus Murr.)

Q: What is the purpose of this study? A: The purpose of this study is to investigate the growth response of sweet corn plants (Zea mays L.) to the application of liquid organic fertilizer (POC) derived from durian fruit skin (Durio Zibethinus Murr.) and to determine the best concentration of these fertilizers for optimal growth.

Q: What is POC and how is it made? A: POC is a liquid organic fertilizer derived from durian fruit skin. It is made through the fermentation process for two weeks with the addition of EM4 as an inoculum.

Q: What are the growth variables measured in this study? A: Some of the growth variables measured in this study include plant height, root length, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, canopy dry weight, root dry weight, canopy and root ratios, relative growth rates, and chlorophyll A content, chlorophyll B content, and total chlorophyll content.

Q: What are the results of this study? A: The results of this study showed that the POC application at a concentration of 25% gave a significant response to plant height, root length, dry weight, and dry root weight. Meanwhile, the POC concentration 100% gave a significant response to the relative growth rate and chlorophyll B, while the ratio of roots, chlorophyll A, and total chlorophyll were more influenced by the 75% POC concentration.

Q: What are the implications of this study? A: The results of this study have important implications for agricultural sustainability and the reduction of waste. The use of POC from durian skin can be an alternative fertilizer that is environmentally friendly and effective to improve agricultural output, especially in sweet corn cultivation.

Q: What are the limitations of this study? A: This study has some limitations, including the use of a small sample size and limited number of treatments, the lack of control over environmental factors that may affect plant growth, and the need for further research to confirm the results of this study.

Q: What are the future directions for this research? A: Future research should focus on investigating the use of POC from durian skin for other crops and its potential to improve agricultural output, developing more efficient methods for producing POC from durian skin, and conducting further research on the effects of POC on plant growth and productivity.

Q: Can POC from durian skin be used for other crops? A: Yes, POC from durian skin can be used for other crops. However, further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and to determine the optimal concentration for each crop.

Q: How can POC from durian skin be produced? A: POC from durian skin can be produced through the fermentation process for two weeks with the addition of EM4 as an inoculum.

Q: What are the benefits of using POC from durian skin? A: The benefits of using POC from durian skin include its environmentally friendly nature, its potential to improve agricultural output, and its ability to reduce waste.

Q: Can POC from durian skin be used as a substitute for synthetic fertilizers? A: Yes, POC from durian skin can be used as a substitute for synthetic fertilizers. However, further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and to determine the optimal concentration for each crop.

Q: What are the potential risks associated with using POC from durian skin? A: The potential risks associated with using POC from durian skin include the possibility of contamination, the potential for over-fertilization, and the need for further research to confirm its safety and efficacy.