Effect of application of algae sargassum sp. extract to corn plants (Zea mays L.) and microbial response

Abstract

This study aims to determine the effect of the application of algae Sargassum sp. extract on the growth of corn plants (Zea mays L.) and the response of soil microbes through the use of the Randomized Group Design (RGD) consisting of 3 repeats. The algae Sargassum sp. extract had 3 concentrations namely algae 30%, algae 60% and algae 90%. Then the algae Sargassum sp. extract was applied to the corn plants (Zea mays. L.) by being poured on the soil. Observation parameters stalk circumference (cm), leaf nitrogen content (%), stalk and leaf biomass (grams), cob weight (grams), husked cob weight (grams), cob length (cm), cob diameter (cm), soil bacteria colonies and soil fungi. The use of algae extracts improved the quality and quantity of corn growth using analysis of variances (F-test/ANOVA) with a confidence level of = 0,05%. This was followed by analysis with the Duncan test using SPSS Statistics program version 22. The research results showed the application of algae Sargassum sp. extract on corn plants had a significant effect on stalk and leaf vegetative biomass, cob weight, husked cob weight, cob length and cob diameter, but did not have a significant effect on corn plant height, stalk circumference, leaf nitrogen content, soil bacteria colonies and soil fungi colonies. Even though there was not a significant effect, but quantitatively the corn plant growth with alga 30%, alga 60% and alga 90% treatments tended to be better than control.