Effect of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer Application on Soil Chemical Properties and Yield of Corn Crops (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

Decreased productivity of maize plants (Zea mays L.) is often related to decreased soil fertility due to unbalanced fertilization practices. This study aims to evaluate the effect of organic and inorganic fertilizer applications on changes in soil chemistry and corn crop yields in Inceptisol land. The research was carried out using a Complete Group Random Design (RAKL) with five treatments, namely: no fertilizer (control), organic fertilizer, inorganic fertilizer, organic + inorganic combination 100%, and organic + inorganic combination 50%. The observed parameters included soil pH, C-organic levels, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, and corn yield. The results showed that the combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers (full doses) gave the best results in improving soil chemistry and significantly increasing corn yields compared to other treatments. The increase in soil pH value, nutrient availability P, and C-organic content was recorded higher than the control. This treatment is also able to produce the highest corn productivity reaching 7.2 tons/ha. These findings suggest that integrated fertilizer applications can improve nutrient absorption efficiency and support sustainable agriculture. Therefore, integrated fertilization is recommended as the main strategy in soil management and increasing corn productivity on marginal land.