The influence of foliar macronutrient on growth and yield of sweet corn grown in Rengam and Rasau soil series under greenhouse conditions

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of different rates of macronutrients as a foliar applications on growth and yield performance of sweet corn cultivated in Rengam and Rasau soil series of Malaysia under greenhouse condition. The study comprised five treatments of macronutrient fertilization as a foliar application (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 % NPK). The plant height, stem width, leaf number, leaf area and cob height of sweet corn grown in Rengam soil series were significantly influenced by foliar macronutrient application. Notably, a rise in cob weight of sweet corns cultivated in Rasau soil series was observed at the 75 % rate, reaching 75 g, compared to 68 g for sweet corn grown in Rengam soil series. The foliar application of 100 % NPK resulted in the highest total leaf area at 252.92 cm2 compared to all other treatments. Regarding the cob fresh weight and dry matter content of sweet corn cultivated in the Rasau soil series, significant improvement noted with the 75 % NPK treatment, however plants grown in the Rengam soil series and treated with 75 % NPK as a foliar application did not exhibit significant effects. The concentrations of Fe and Mn in the corn stem from both soil series significantly increased with macronutrients foliar application. In the corn leaves grown in Rengam soil series, the concentration of nutrients was significantly influenced by the rate of NPK used as a foliar application in this study. Notably, the increased of Ca content in the treated leaves was significantly higher compared to control plants. Additionally, the contents of P, K, Cu and Zn in the corn flower of the plants in the Rengam soil series were significantly elevated in treated plants compared to untreated ones. Conclusively, based on this greenhouse study, it can be inferred that two foliar sprays of macronutrient solution at rates of 75 % and 100 % NPK greatly enhanced the growth, yield and nutrient contents of sweet corn cultivated in the Rengam and Rasau soil series.