Impact of Integrated Organomineral Fertilizer Application on Growth, Yield, Quality, and Health-Related Compounds of Sweet Corn

Abstract

In this study, the effectiveness of two organomineral formulations (OMF I and OMF II) on the growth, yield, kernel quality and health-related compounds of sweet corn were evaluated. OMFs were compared with chemically fertilized and unfertilized control to evaluate their effects as a basic fertilizer source. Field experiments were conducted using a randomised complete block design, with three replications over 2 years. Two cultivars (cv. ‘Sentinel’ and cv. ‘Khan’) were used as plant material. The results indicated that (1) compared to control, the application of organomineral and chemical fertilizers resulted in improvements in most growth, yield and quality traits of sweet corn in both cultivars; (2) use of organomineral fertilizers led to similar or significantly higher than chemical fertilizer in plant height, leaf number per plant, ear size, ear weight, ear yield (husked and de-husked) and total soluble solids. However, these effects showed responses that varied with type of organomineral fertilizer or cultivar; (3) use of OMF I treatment with cv. ‘Khan’ significantly improved ear size, ear weight, ear yield (husked and de-husked), colour traits, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity compared to other treatments.