Performance of maize under two different methods of fertilizer application in semi-arid tropic Dompu Indonesia

The placement of fertilizer is a crucial aspect for maximizing the nutrient uptake by maize. Maize may not produce an optimum yield and shows nutrient deficiency symptoms due to inefficient uptake of nutrients in spite of application of recommended fertilizer rates. A research was carried out to compare the method of fertilizer application for maize in five locations (five sub-districts) in the regency of Dompu, West Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia. The field experiment was designed in a completely randomized design (CRD), with 2 treatments for each location, and replicated 3 times. The treatments were (i) row placement of fertilizer which were given twice (P1), and (ii) broadcast application at once (P2). The results of the research showed that there was a significant difference in yield (dried maize grain) between treatment P1 and P2. The row placement of fertilizer given twice (P1) produced higher dried maize grain at all locations (average yield = 12.26 ton ha-1), compared to the broadcast method given at once (P2) with average yield of 7.98 ton ha-1. The yield was support with the other parameters such the height of crop, the size of cobs and the weight of above ground of dry matter.