Physiological Characteristics of Sweet Corn Plants (Zea mays L. Var. saccharata.) On Nitrogen Fertilizer Application And Pruning Techniques
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Corn is a vital source of carbohydrates and protein for the Indonesian population. This research aims to investigate the physiological characteristics of sweet corn plants concerning nitrogen fertilizer application and pruning techniques. The study was conducted in Tambon Tunong Village, located in the Dewantara District of North Aceh Regency, as well as in the laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture at Malikussaleh University, spanning from September to December 2024. A randomized block design (RAK) experimental method was employed for this investigation. The study examined two primary factors: applying nitrogen sources to the corn plants and the pruning techniques. The nitrogen sources tested included ZA Fertilizer (247.6 g/plot), HX Nitro Fertilizer (200 g/plot), and Urea Nitrea Fertilizer (113.04 g/plot). The pruning techniques evaluated were no pruning, pruning of three lower leaves at 45 days after planting (HST), and pruning of three lower leaves at 55 HST. Consequently, a total of nine treatment combinations were established, with each treatment replicated three times, resulting in 27 experimental units. Each unit comprised 15 plants, culminating in a total of 405 plants. The data collected from the experiments were subjected to statistical analysis using the F test via SAS V9 12 software. If the analysis of variance indicated significant differences at the 5% level, a subsequent Duncan test was performed. The findings revealed that the nitrogen content parameter exhibited a significant effect. In contrast, the timing of male and female flowering, leaf color, milk content, and sugar content (brix), along with the interaction between the two factors, did not demonstrate significant effects.
Institution: Malikussaleh University
Language: English
Subfield: Agronomy and Crop Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4407182574