Optimizing potassium fertilization and leaf pruning strategies to enhance growth performance and yield of sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata Sturt L.)

Abstract

Declining sweet corn production and the inability of the domestic supply to fully meet market demand highlight the need for effective agronomic strategies to improve crop productivity and quality in Indonesia. This study evaluated the effects of KCl-derived potassium rates and leaf pruning on the growth and yield performance of sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata Sturt L.). A 3 × 4 factorial experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with three replications. Potassium was applied at 50, 100, and 150 kg K2O ha⁻¹, while leaf pruning treatments consisted of 0, 1, 3, and 5 leaves. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey’s Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test at the 5% significance level (p < 0.05), using SPSS software. Potassium rate significantly affected plant height (205,08 cm), stem diameter (21,60 mm) , flowering time (43,08 DAP), and sweetness content (13,33 °Brix) whereas leaf pruning significantly influenced leaf number (12,00) , ear weight (213,22 g plant⁻¹), and ear length (21,11 cm). Significant interaction effects were observed for ear weight (255 g plant⁻¹), ear diameter (46,77 mm), and sweetness content (14,00 °Brix). The application of 100 kg K2O ha⁻¹ improved plant height (3,78%), stem diameter (9,26%), and increased sweetness (7,08%), while pruning 1–3 leaves enhanced ear weight (9,49 – 16,47%) and ear length (6,03 – 10,00%). These findings suggest that moderate potassium fertilization combined with selective leaf pruning can improve both the productivity and quality of sweet corn.