Sweet corn growth, yield, and lignocellulose decomposition on Excelzyme-treated Histosol

Abstract

Histosol is a sub-optimal soil containing high lignocellulose resulting in its lower decomposition rate. To improve Histosol decomposition, the application of Excelzyme was used. The purposes of this study were (1) to determine the decomposition rate of lignocellulose of histosol treated with Excelzyme; and (2) to determine the best dosage of Excelzyme for the growth and yield of sweet corn. The study has been conducted at the University of Bengkulu Research Station, from July to November 2021. This experiment was designed in randomized completely block design, involving dosages of Excelzyme i.e. E0 = 0 ml plot-1; E1 = 1,000 ml plot-1; E2 = 1,500 ml plot-1; and E3 = 2,000 ml plot-1. The plot size was 2 m x 3 m, and all treatments were repeated 3 times. Results of the study showed that Excelzyme application affects the rate of histosol decomposition showed by decreasing lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose compared with the untreated Histosol. The best dosage of Excelzyme was 2.000 ml plot-1 that decrease lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose content by 32.69 %, 24,43 %, and 5.80 % in the upper 0 - 15 cm respectively compared to the untreated Histosol. While in the 15 - 30 cm depth, lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose decrease by 25,92 %, 21.11 %, and 7.05 % respectively, compared with the untreated histosol. The application of Excelzyme of various dosages was not significantly affecting soil pH at both depths as well as sweet corn growth and yield.