The effect of plant biomass and interval of water applications on water use efficiency and yield of sweet corn (Zea mays L. var. saccharata Sturt)

Abstract

Abstract. Soetedjo INP. 2017. The effect of plant biomass and interval of water applications on water use efficiency and yield of sweet corn (Zea mays L. var. saccharata Sturt). Trop Drylands 1: 32-35. The main problem in dryland farming system is the loss of water during crop growth and development. The use of organic matters such as paddy straw, paddy husk, and biomass of Gliricidia and Chromolaena has been proved to minimize water loss. Moreover, water use efficiency can be improved by applying water based on the crop growth stage. The main objective of the research was to determine the interaction effect of different buried crop biomass and interval of water application on water use efficiency and yield of sweet corn (Zea mays L. var. saccharata Sturt). The research was assigned in factorial treatment laid out in Randomized Completely Block Design with 3 replicates. The research results showed no interaction effect of the treatment combinations on soil water content, water use efficiency, and yield of sweet corn. Each of the single factors of the kind of biomass and water application interval, however, significantly affected water use efficiency and yield of sweet corn. Buried paddy straw produced the highest yield and water use efficiency of sweet corn (750.66 g 3m^-2), 14.21%). Moreover, three days of water application interval resulted in higher yield and water use efficiency of sweet corn (654.5 g 3m^2(-1), 14.68%).