Application of Liquid Organic Fertilizer to the Growth and Absorption of Corn Plants in Ultisol Soil

Oct 13, 2025 by magicalceylontours.com 88 views

Application of Liquid Organic Fertilizer to the Growth and Absorption of Corn Plants in Ultisol Soil

Introduction

Ultisol soil is a type of soil that is commonly found in tropical regions and is known for its low fertility and poor nutrient availability. One of the major challenges faced by farmers in ultisol soils is the limited availability of phosphorus (P), a crucial nutrient for plant growth. In this study, we aim to examine the effect of liquid organic fertilizer on the growth and absorption of corn plants in ultisol soils. Liquid organic fertilizer is a type of fertilizer that is made from organic matter such as market waste, cow dung, and other plant materials. It is a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic fertilizers.

Methodology

The study was conducted in a greenhouse and research and technology laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of North Sumatra from May to November 2018. A randomized factorial group was used consisting of two factors and three replications. The first factor is the type of liquid organic fertilizer: C0 (without liquid organic fertilizer), C1 (liquid organic fertilizer from market waste), C2 (liquid organic fertilizer from cow dung), and C3 (liquid organic fertilizer from a mixture of market waste and cow dung) with a dose of 75 ml per application. The second factor is application time: A1 (every 3 days) and A2 (every 7 days).

Parameters Measured

The parameters measured in this study include pH, C-organic, and P-available (soil) measured after the incubation of liquid organic fertilizer for 3 days and 7 days. In addition, the height of the plant, the dry weight of the canopy, the dry weight of the root, and the absorption of the corn plant is measured at the end of the vegetative period with the interval of liquid organic fertilizer application every 3 days and 7 days.

Results

The results showed that liquid organic fertilizer did not significantly increase the pH, C-organic, and P-Available in ultisol soils. However, incubation time for 7 days can significantly increase soil C-organic. Liquid organic fertilizer made from market waste, cow dung, and a combination of both, with the application every 3 days can increase the height of the plant, the dry weight of the canopy, the dry weight of the root, and the absorption of the corn plant. The interaction between the provision of liquid organic fertilizer from market waste and cow dung with application every 3 days has a significant effect on the increase in the dry weight of the canopy and the dry weight of the root of the corn plant.

Discussion

From the results of the study, it can be concluded that although liquid organic fertilizer is not successful in increasing the pH and P-available significantly, this fertilizer contributes positively to the growth of corn plants, especially with more frequent applications. This shows that although the availability of phosphorus in ultisol soils is still a challenge, good management through the use of liquid organic fertilizer can help in increasing plant growth.

Increased C-organic in the soil after 7 days incubation may be caused by the process of decomposition of organic matter contained in liquid fertilizer, which improves soil structure and fertility. In other words, although not all nutrient parameters can increase, the right intervention can bring benefits to the quality of the soil and the potential for plant growth.

Conclusion

Therefore, the use of liquid organic fertilizer as an alternative in ultisol soil management should be considered. This strategy can be an interesting choice, considering that liquid organic fertilizer comes from sources that are easily accessible and environmentally friendly. With proper handling and applications, it is expected that the growth and yield of corn plants can increase significantly in ultisol soils that are often of low quality in terms of nutrient availability.

Recommendations

Through this research, it is expected to open a deeper understanding of the potential of liquid organic fertilizer and provide solutions for farmers in increasing the productivity of corn plants in ultisol land. The findings of this study can be used as a reference for further research on the use of liquid organic fertilizer in ultisol soils. Additionally, the results of this study can be applied in agricultural practices to improve the growth and yield of corn plants in ultisol soils.

Limitations

This study has some limitations that need to be addressed in future research. Firstly, the study only focused on the effect of liquid organic fertilizer on the growth and absorption of corn plants in ultisol soils. Future research can investigate the effect of liquid organic fertilizer on other crops and soil types. Secondly, the study only used a limited number of parameters to measure the effect of liquid organic fertilizer. Future research can use a more comprehensive set of parameters to measure the effect of liquid organic fertilizer.

Future Research Directions

Future research can investigate the following directions:

The effect of liquid organic fertilizer on other crops and soil types
The effect of different types and doses of liquid organic fertilizer on plant growth and soil fertility
The interaction between liquid organic fertilizer and other soil amendments on plant growth and soil fertility
The long-term effect of liquid organic fertilizer on soil fertility and plant growth

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides evidence that liquid organic fertilizer can contribute positively to the growth of corn plants in ultisol soils. The findings of this study can be used as a reference for further research on the use of liquid organic fertilizer in ultisol soils. Additionally, the results of this study can be applied in agricultural practices to improve the growth and yield of corn plants in ultisol soils.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Liquid Organic Fertilizer and Its Application in Ultisol Soils

Q: What is liquid organic fertilizer?

A: Liquid organic fertilizer is a type of fertilizer that is made from organic matter such as market waste, cow dung, and other plant materials. It is a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic fertilizers.

Q: What are the benefits of using liquid organic fertilizer in ultisol soils?

A: Liquid organic fertilizer can contribute positively to the growth of corn plants in ultisol soils, especially with more frequent applications. It can also improve soil structure and fertility, and increase the availability of phosphorus, a crucial nutrient for plant growth.

Q: How does liquid organic fertilizer work in ultisol soils?

A: Liquid organic fertilizer works by decomposing organic matter in the soil, which improves soil structure and fertility. This process also increases the availability of phosphorus, a crucial nutrient for plant growth.

Q: What are the different types of liquid organic fertilizer?

A: There are several types of liquid organic fertilizer, including:

Liquid organic fertilizer from market waste
Liquid organic fertilizer from cow dung
Liquid organic fertilizer from a mixture of market waste and cow dung

Q: How often should liquid organic fertilizer be applied in ultisol soils?

A: Liquid organic fertilizer should be applied every 3 days for optimal results.

Q: What are the parameters that should be measured when using liquid organic fertilizer in ultisol soils?

A: The following parameters should be measured when using liquid organic fertilizer in ultisol soils:

pH
C-organic
P-available (soil)
Height of the plant
Dry weight of the canopy
Dry weight of the root
Absorption of the corn plant

Q: What are the limitations of using liquid organic fertilizer in ultisol soils?

A: The limitations of using liquid organic fertilizer in ultisol soils include:

Limited availability of phosphorus
Limited availability of other nutrients
Limited soil fertility

Q: Can liquid organic fertilizer be used in other soil types?

A: Yes, liquid organic fertilizer can be used in other soil types, but the results may vary depending on the specific soil type and conditions.

Q: What are the future research directions for liquid organic fertilizer in ultisol soils?

A: Future research directions for liquid organic fertilizer in ultisol soils include:

Investigating the effect of liquid organic fertilizer on other crops and soil types
Investigating the effect of different types and doses of liquid organic fertilizer on plant growth and soil fertility
Investigating the interaction between liquid organic fertilizer and other soil amendments on plant growth and soil fertility
Investigating the long-term effect of liquid organic fertilizer on soil fertility and plant growth

Q: What are the practical applications of liquid organic fertilizer in ultisol soils?

A: The practical applications of liquid organic fertilizer in ultisol soils include:

Improving soil fertility and structure
Increasing the availability of phosphorus and other nutrients
Increasing plant growth and yield
Reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers

Q: What are the environmental benefits of using liquid organic fertilizer in ultisol soils?

A: The environmental benefits of using liquid organic fertilizer in ultisol soils include:

Reducing the amount of synthetic fertilizers used
Reducing the amount of waste generated
Improving soil health and fertility
Reducing the need for irrigation and other water-intensive practices

Q: What are the economic benefits of using liquid organic fertilizer in ultisol soils?

A: The economic benefits of using liquid organic fertilizer in ultisol soils include:

Increasing crop yields and productivity
Reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and other inputs
Improving soil health and fertility
Reducing the need for irrigation and other water-intensive practices