Integrated nutrient management in sweet corn (Zea mays L.) for production optimization

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of integrated nutrient management on the growth, ear characteristics, and yield performance of different sweet corn varieties under field conditions in Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines. The experiment was conducted using a 3 × 5 factorial arrangement in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Three sweet corn varieties namely Macho F1, Purple Corn, and Glutinous Corn were tested under five fertilizer treatments consisting of different combinations of vermicompost, Humus Plus, and complete fertilizer. Growth parameters such as plant height, number of leaves, and stem girth were measured at 30 and 60 days after sowing (DAS), while yield and yield components were evaluated at harvest. Results showed that both variety and fertilizer treatment significantly influenced vegetative growth, ear characteristics, and yield performance. Integrated nutrient management and vermicompost-based treatments generally produced superior plant growth compared with sole organic fertilization. Macho F1 treated with 100% vermicompost recorded the tallest plants, greatest leaf production, and superior stem development during later growth stages. Purple Corn fertilized with 100% complete fertilizer produced the highest yield at 12.69 t/ha and the heaviest ear weight per plot. In contrast, treatments relying solely on Humus Plus generally resulted in lower growth performance and reduced yield, particularly in Glutinous Corn. Ear length and ear circumference were also improved under integrated and vermicompost treatments, while the highest number and weight of marketable ears were observed in Macho F1 under vermicompost and complete fertilizer applications. The findings indicate that balanced nutrient management combining organic and inorganic fertilizers enhances nutrient availability, improves crop growth, and increases sweet corn productivity under field conditions.