Effect of compost tea on the quality promotion of sweet corn (Zea mays var. Rugosa) in organic cultivation

Abstract

Purpose: A field experiment was designed to determine the effects of compost tea on the quality parameters of sweet corn produced without the use of mineral fertilizers. Research method: This research was conducted in the Taraba State University Teaching and Research Farm, Jalingo, Nigeria in 2023. The fertilizer treatments in this study were 500kg ha-1 NPK fertilizer (Control), 1 kg compost per 10 L water compost tea, 1 kg compost per 20 L water compost tea and 1 kg compost per 30 L water compost tea, arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design, replicated thrice. Findings: The results indicated that the treatments had significant (P ≤ 0.05) effects on the physical, chemical and sensory characteristics of the sweet corn evaluated. The mineral (NPK) fertilizer treatment gave highest mean total soluble sugar content (33.13 mg g-1), followed by 1 kg compost per 10 L water compost tea (33.10 mg g-1), then 1 kg compost per 20 L water compost tea (31.72 mg g-1) and 1 kg compost per 30 L water compost tea gave the lowest total soluble sugar content (29.88 mg g-1). Yet, the effects of 1 kg compost per 10 L water compost tea treatment and mineral (NPK) fertilizer treatment were the same (p > 0.05). Research limitations: There were no limitations to the report. Originality/Value: This study illustrated the possibility of utilizing 1 kg compost per 10 L water compost tea concentration to produce a good yield and quality of sweet corn without mineral fertilizers.

Keywords

• chemical
• physical
• properties
• sensory