Enhancing the maize growth and production by applying the phosphorus and potassium nutrients in inceptisol of Langkat Regency

Abstract

Inceptisol is one of the soil types covering the Langkat Regency. Unfortunately, the soil has low chemical fertility and is characterized by a small part of macronutrients. To support the maize growth in inceptisol, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the primary required nutrients. Hence, applying inorganic fertilizer is one of the strategies to solve this issue. This study was conducted at Sei Bingai District, Langkat Regency, from July to November 2021. This study aims to analyze the effect of phosphorus and potassium on the maize growth and production of inceptisol. This study was arranged by Non-Factorial Randomize Complete Block Design with seven treatments and four replications. These treatments are consist of: PK 0 (control), PK 1 (standard fertilization), PK 2 (50 % PK plus dose + 75 % standard fertilization), PK 3 (100 % PK plus dose + 75 % standard fertilization), PK 4 (150 % PK plus dose + 75% standard fertilization), PK 5 (100 % PK plus dose + 50 % standard fertilization), PK 6 (150 % PK plus dose + 50 % standard fertilization). The results show that the PK 5 and PK 6 treatments contribute to the highest maize production by 9.300 kg/ha and the highest Relative Agronomy Effectiveness (RAE) value, 147 %. Fertilization dose of 10 kg ha−1 PK Plus + 50 % standard fertilization is recommended for corn cultivation and is very economically feasible.