Efficiency of Use Chicken Manure in Optimizing the use of KNO3 Supply on Sweet Corn (Zea mays saccharata Sturt L.)

Abstract

Sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata Sturt L.) is one of the horticultural commodities that has increasing market demand but declining production levels. This is because most of the fertilization that is done is continuous and excessive chemical fertilization. The use of chemical fertilizers can have a negative impact on the soil, one of which can cause damage to soil structure and function, so that it will slowly reduce soil quality. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of using chicken manure in optimizing KNO₃ fertilizer so as to increase the growth and yield of sweet corn plants (Zea mays saccharata Sturt L.). The research was conducted in Jemekan Village, Ringinrejo Subdistrict, Kediri District, using a Spli Plots Design using doses of chicken manure (0, 4, 8, and 12 tons.ha-1) and KNO₃ fertilizer (0, 25, 50, and 75 kg.ha-1). The results showed that the combination of chicken manure dose of 12 ton.ha-1 with KNO₃ 25 kg.ha-1 produced higher cob fresh weight than other treatments. Chicken manure contributed to the improvement of soil structure and increased nutrient availability, while KNO₃ supported vegetative growth and yield. The interaction between the two fertilizers showed an increase in macronutrient uptake (N, P, K) by plants, with nitrogen and potassium uptake increasing significantly in the late vegetative to early generative phase. This study concludes that the use of chicken manure and KNO₃ is an effective and environmentally friendly solution to increase sweet corn productivity.