Growth performances of maize (Zea mays L.) intercropping with soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill.) in the legowo row system applied with bokashi plus fertilizer on marginal soils

Abstract

Abstract The research aims to determine the growth response of maize intercropped with soybeans in a legowo row system with bokashi plus fertilizer on marginal land. It was carried out in Lamaeo Village, from May to August 2021, utilizing a randomized block design with a single factor and the dose of bokashi plus fertilizer, consisting of four levels, namely 0, 3, 6, and 9 t ha-1. Every therapy was replicated in four periods to obtain a total of 16 experimental plots. The legowo row system involved four rows of soybeans spaced 30 cm x 30 cm, with rows of corn spaced 120 cm x 40 cm. Plant height (cm), the number of leaves (strands), stem diameter (cm), leaf area (cm2), leaf area index (LAI), net assimilation rate, and relative growth rate were variables observed at 14, 28, 42, and 56 days after planting (DAP). The results of the research showed that bokashi plus fertilizer had a positive impact on the performance of corn intercropped with soybeans in the legowo row system on marginal land. The best outcome in terms of plant height, the number of leaves, stem diameter and leaf site were observed at 14, 28, 42, and 56 DAP, as well as leaf area index, net assimilation rate, and relative growth rate. The highest yields of corn and soybeans were obtained at a dose of 9 t ha-1, which amounted to 6.3 and 2.1 t ha-1, respectively, indicating better response on organic fertilizer.