Response of nitrogen source and plant spacing to the physiology and yield of sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata Sturt)

Abstract

Sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata Sturt) has high public interest, as it encourages farmers to cultivate it. The nitrogen source is related to the plant's physiological response. In addition to nitrogen fertilizer, plant spacing in sweet corn cultivation also needs to be considered. Plant spacing refers to the distance between individual plants or a plant population. Therefore, it is essential to investigate these efforts to enhance the physiological response of plants. This research is a factorial experiment arranged according to a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two factors. The first factor is the type of nitrogen source, specifically urea, at a rate of 350 kg.ha-1 (Control), Urea 200 kg.ha-1, ZA 200 kg.ha-1, and KNO3 200 kg.ha-1. The plant spacing is 70 cm x 20 cm, 70 cm x 30 cm, and 70 cm x 40 cm. Nitrogen source and plant spacing treatments did not show any significant interaction. The most effective combination is 200 kg of KNO₃ per hectare with a planting distance of 70 cm x 40 cm.