Residual Effect of Cow Dung Fertilizer to Corn (Zea mays L.) Growth and Yield in Planting Period II in Marginal Land

Aims: The research aimed to study the potential of cow dung fertilizer residue in increasing the growth and yield of corn plant in planting period II on marginal dry land.

Study Design: Singel factor design in Randomized block design.

Place and Duration of Study: The research was conducted in Field Laboratory of the Faculty of Animal Husbandry, University of Halu Oleo, Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. The study was conducted for four months.

Methodology: Single factor design in Randomized block design was used in the research. consists of 6 treatment levels of cow manure residue that have been applied in the previous planting period (planting period I), namely: without cow manure (R0), using cow manure 2.5 t ha-1 (R1), 5 t ha-1 (R2), 7.5 t ha-1 (R3), 10 t ha-1 (R4) and 12.5 t ha-1 (R5). Each treatment was placed in three groups so that there were 18 experimental units. The data was analyzed using analysis of variance and continued by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) 95% confidence level.

Results: The results showed that the vegetative growth of corn plant 30 day after planting (dap) and plant yield was affected by residual effect of cow dung that applicated in the planting periode I, thus with P uptake by plant and available P in planting medium.

Conclusion: Plant productivity during planting period II more increased with the higher dose of cow manure applied during planting period I. The highest plant productivity (3.88 t ha-1) in planting period II was obtained by application of cow dung 12.5 t ha-1 during planting period I. While in the planting medium without cow dung, no seeds formation was found in plants.