Respon Pertumbuhan Dan Hasil Beberapa Varietas Jagung Manis (Zea Mays Saccharata Sturt) Terhadap Pemberian Pupuk Kompos Serasah Daun Cengkeh (Syzigium Aromaticum) dan Daun Pala (Myristica Fragrans Houtt)

Abstract

Sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata Sturt) is a widely consumed horticultural crop with significant economic value and serves as a raw material for various food products. Sweet corn productivity can be enhanced through methods such as soil fertility management and the use of superior varieties. Clove and nutmeg leaf litter are organic materials available in the North Maluku region that have the potential to be utilized as compost sources. This study aimed to analyze the growth and yield responses of three sweet corn varieties to the application of compost made from clove and nutmeg leaf litter and to determine the compost dosage that yielded the best results. The research was conducted in Mafututu Village, East Tidore District, Tidore Islands City. A factorial Randomized Block Design (RBD) was employed, consisting of two factors with three replications. The first factor was compost dosage (0, 1, 2, and 3 kg/plot), while the second factor was the variety (NB Super F1, Bonanza F1, and Secada 88 F1). Twelve treatment combinations were tested with three replications, resulting in a total of 36 research plots. The observed parameters included the number of leaves, leaf length, leaf width, plant height, ear length, ear diameter, ear weight (without husk), ear weight (with husk), and sweetness level. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), followed by Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at the 5% level if significant effects were found. The results indicated that the interaction between compost dosage and variety generally did not have a significant effect on the observed parameters. However, compost dosage as a single factor significantly influenced plant height at several observation stages, leaf length, ear length, ear diameter, ear weight (with husk), and ear weight (without husk). The dosage of 2 kg/plot yielded the best response regarding several yield components, with an average production of 4.38 t/ha, compared to 3.63 t/ha for the no-compost treatment, 4.20 t/ha for the 1 kg/plot dosage, and 4.29 t/ha for the 3 kg/plot dosage. The Secada 88 F1 variety exhibited superior vegetative growth, particularly in terms of plant height at 6 weeks after planting (WAP), which reached 165.88 cm. Neither compost dosage nor variety had a significant effect on sweetness levels. The study results indicate that the use of compost made from clove and nutmeg leaf litter—particularly at a dosage of 2 kg/plot—has the potential to enhance the growth and yield of sweet corn.