Increasing Sweetness Levels of Sweet Corn (Zea mays saccharata L.) by Potassium Fertilizer and Water Content Application

Abstract

Potassium is an essential macronutrient that is needed by sweet corn to support several physiological processes. Many important processes depend on K (potassium) such as regulating stomata and photosynthesis. In addition, when sweet corn water stress conditions, potassium stimulates plant stomata to open and level improve plant adaptability at low water levels. The goal of this research is to study the interaction between different potassium levels and field capacities. The research was conducted from January to April 2022. Randomized Block Design (RBD) in factorial consists of 2 factors and 3 replications. The first factor were potassium (KCl) levels: 50 kg ha-1 (K50), 100 kg ha-1 (K100), 150 kg ha-1 (K150), and 200 kg ha-1 (K200). The second factor was field capacity levels: 50% field capacity (KL50), 75% field capacity (KL75), and 100% field capacity (KL100). At 45 DAP (days after planting), treatment of 150 kg.ha-1potassium can improve total dry weight, while treatment of 75% field capacity can affect stomatal density. In addition, treatment of 100% field capacity can improve the sweetness level in corn at 76 DAP.