Plant Cell Biotechnology and Molecular Biology 22(43&44):54-61; 2021 ISSN: 0972-2025

STUDY OF MAIZE’S P AND K FERTILIZATION ON

ALFISOLS (Typic rhodustalfs) WITH ARTIFICIAL SOIL
NUTRIENT CLASS
PETER TANDISAU+, MARTHEN PASANG SIRAPPA*+, KETUT INDRAYANA++,
MUHTAR++, IDA ANDRIANI++, HESTI RAHASIA++, SYAMSUDDIN+,
EDWEN DONALD WAAS+, WAHID++, IRFAN OHORELLA++,
ROSNIYATI SUWARDA++ AND RISMA FIRA SUNETH++
Researchers of South Sulawesi Assesment Institute for Agricultural Technology Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan
KM 17.5, Sudiang, Makassar, Indonesia [PT].
Researchers of West Sulawesi Assessment Institute for Agricultural Technology, Kompleks Perkantoran
Pemerintah Provinsi Sulawesi Barat, Jl. H. Abdul Malik Pattana Endeng, Mamuju 91522, Indonesia
[MPS, KI, Muhtar, IA, HR].
Researchers of Central Kalimantan Assesment Institute for Agricultural Technology, Jl. G. Obos Km. 5,
Menteng, Palangka Raya, Kota Palangka Raya, Kalimantan Tengah 73112, Indonesia [Syamsuddin].
Researchers of Moluccas Assesment Institute for Agricultural Technology, Jl. Chr. Soplanit Rumah Tiga,
Ambon, Indonesia [EDW, Wahid, IO, RS, RFS].
[*For Correspondence: E-mail: mpsirappa@gmail.com]
+
Main Contributor, ++ Member Contributor

Article Information
Editor(s):
(1) Dr. Al-kazafy Hassan Sabry, Professor, National Research Centre, Egypt.
Reviewers:
(1) Nazmul Hasan Mehedi, Bangladesh.
(2) Asrat Alemayhu Ambi, Bonga Agricultural Research Canter, Ethiopia.

Received: 25 May 2021

Accepted: 01 August 2021
Published: 04 August 2021 Original Research Article
_______________________________________________________________________________________________

ABSTRACT
This research was conducted on dry land in Gowa District, South Sulawesi, using a single location
approach. Soil types in Gowa District are classified as Alfisols. The aims of this research are to
determine the critical values of P and K for maize; and also, to know P and K fertilization of maize
on various extraction and nutrient classes of artificial soil. Treatments were arranged as a split-plot
in randomized complete block design with three replications. The main plot was artificial soil
nutrient classes (very low, low, moderate, high, and very high of P and K) and subplot were
fertilization of P and K. The results indicated that the critical values of P and K for maize on
Alfisols (Typic Rhodustalfs) are 0.32 ppm P, 85 mg P100 g-1, 0.42 ppm P, and 1.04 ppm P for each
Mechlish, HCl 25%, Bray-1, and Bray-2 extractions, respectively, and 0.37 me K 100 g-1, 0.55 me K
100 g-1, 178 ppm P, 213 ppm P for each NH4OAc pH 4.8, NH4OAc pH 7, Bray-1, and Olsen
extractions, respectively. P and K fertilization, which gives the highest of maize yield, is obtained of
40 kg P, 80 kg P and 160 kg P ha-1 for the high class, moderate class, and low class of P. While for K
fertilization, the highest yield was 20–40 kg K, 40–80 kg K and 80–160 kg K ha-1for the high,
moderate and low class of K, respectively.

54

Keywords: Critical values; P and K fertilization; maize; artificial soil nutrient classes; Alfisols.
INTRODUCTION
Maize is the second most important cereal crop
after rice, indicated by the percentage of area
planted to maize. Maize has a very strategic role
in the food security system and its role as the
national economy. In addition to its role as food
for some Indonesian society, it also contributes to
the availability of maize protein because maize to
feed raw materials livestock. The demand of
maize for food, feed, and industrial needs more in
the five years forward is projected to increase
along with continued population increase and also
increased income and purchasing power [1].
In the tropics, the soil is often highly leached and
acid and suffers multiple nutrients deficiencies.
Because of the low fertility status of such soils,
productivity is quite low. Furthermore,
environmental factors, such as the length of the
day and erratic rainfall, can have positive or
negative interactions with nutrient elements,
complicating the situation considerably. Poor
unbalanced fertilization practices can further
exacerbate the problem. Improper and unbalanced
fertilization will cause the soil to become more
damaged and drier. Damaged and dry soil does not
supply much nutrients to plants; so, the plant
suffers from nutritional deficiencies. This, too,
will get worse, when there is interaction with other
factors outside of fertilization, be it factors that
can be controlled or factors that cannot be
controlled [2].
Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium are the
macro nutrients which became a limited factor for
increasing yield. Edmeades et al. [3] reported that
90 % of the maize planted in the tropics area on
dry land could increase yield using nitrogen
fertilizer. According to Halliday & Trankel [4],
nitrogen is generally needed of maize in large
amounts, it is 120 – 180 kg Nha-1. However, on
cultivate layer is a little amount (0.02 – 0.4 %) [5],
so must give nitrogen fertilizer for reach highest
yield. Phosphorus is the second important macro
nutrient after nitrogen [6], often called a prime key
in sustainable agriculture. Phosphorus was added
to the soil only small, using (about 10-20%)
compared to N and K nutrient, and great which
55
Tandisau et al.
absorption, that is 100-1,000 times of P soluble
[7]. A critical value of P for maize in the soil is 20
ppm P [8]. And the last is Potassium. Potassium is
an essential element for plant growth, and it is
required in large quantities for the plant's
metabolic processes. To produce 6 t ha-1of grains,
the maize plants have to absorb a total of 120, 20,
and 150 kg ha-1for nitrogen, phosphorus, and
potassium, respectively [9]. According to
Beringen [10], potassium plays a significant role
in the biophysical and biochemical processes of
plants. The biophysical processes the regulation of
the osmotic potential, specifically on the work
mechanism of the guard cells of the stomata.
While in the biochemical processes include
regulating enzyme activities, such as starch
formation, translocation of nutrients and protein
synthesis [11]. Commonly, the plants absorb, as
much as 1-2 % of the total available potassium
from the soil [12].
Critical values of P and K nutrient for maize are
20 ppm and 0.30 me/100 g, respectively [8,13].
Trehan et al. [14] reported that nutrient deficiency
symptoms are a prerequisite for balanced plant
nutrition. Nutrient depletion of maize in South
Sulawesi has limited the area's yield potential and
profitability. This balanced fertilization study
examines the impact of applied nutrients and
provides a recommendation that more closely
match crop requirements. The objectives of
research were to determine critical values of P and
K for maize, and to know P and K fertilization
dosage for maize on Alfisols in Gowa District,
South Sulawesi.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Field experiments were conducted on dry land for
two years for P and K nutrient in Gowa District,
South Sulawesi (January 2019 - January 2021).
The research was done by a single location
approach. Treatments were set as a split-plot in
randomized complete block design with their
replications. The main plot was artificial soil
nutrient class (very low, low, moderate, high, very
high) of P and K, and subplot were fertilization of
P (0, 20, 40, 80, and 180 kg P ha-1), and K (0, 20,
40, 80, 160 kg K ha-1). Plant indicator was used on

the treatment is a maize Bisma variety (The Bisma
variety is a variety of maize that has a genetic
background as a cross between the Gene Pool-4
and introduced material accompanied by mass
selection for 5 generations [15]. After that, the
critical values of P and K was determined by using
Cate-Nelson method [16]. Cate-Nelson method is
a simple way to divide bivariate data into two
populations to emphasize the relationship between
the x variable and y variable.
Soil type in Gowa District is Mediteran [17].
Results of profile description by using Keys to
Soil Taxonomy are classified into Ordo Alfisols
(Typic rhodustalfs) [18].
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Critical Values of P and K Nutrient for Maize
Critical values of P and K for maize by using
Cate-Nelson Method showed in Table1. The
critical values of P and K on Alfisols soil in Gowa
District by several extractions are 0.32 ppm P; 85
meP100 g-1; 0.42 ppm P, and 1.04 ppm P for each
Mechlish, HCl 25 %, Bray-1, and Bray-2
extraction, respectively, and 0.37 me K 100 g-1,
0.55 me K 100 g-1, 178 ppm K, and 213 ppm K,
for each NH4OAc pH 4.8, NH4OAc pH 7, Bray-1,
and Olsen extraction, respectively. Fathan et al.
[8] reported that the critical values of P and K for
maize each 20 ppm P and 0.30 me K 100 g-1,
respectively.
Area in the left of critical level is responsive to
fertilizer, but area in the right of critical level is
not responsive. For example, the soil with a K
value under the critical level needs potassium
Table 1. The critical values of P and K nutrient for maize on Alfisols soil type in Gowa District,
South Sulawesi
Nutrient Soil Type/Location Method/ Extraction
Mechlish
HCl 25 %
P Alfisols/Gowa
Bray-1
Bray-2
NH4OAc pH 4.8
NH4OAc pH 7
K Alfisols/Gowa
Bray-1
Olsen
Sources: Sirappa [19]; Tandisau et al. [20]
56
Tandisau et al.
fertilizer to reach yield potential means, as shown
in Fig. 1.
Response of Maize to P and K Fertilization
Several factors including soil properties, variety,
available nutrient status, and climatic conditions.
That soil factors can be considerably influence
responses to applied nutrients. According to
Karama et al. [21], fertilizers for food crop
production are manufactured and distributed
partially under a subsidized program. High rates
of fertilizer, particularly P and K, might have been
agronomically and economically justified when
fertilizers were first introduced to very low
nutrients.
Maize yield response to phosphorus and
potassium fertilizer on each P and K classes on
Alfisols showed in Table 2 and Fig. 2. Table 2 and
Fig. 2 show that the highest yield of maize was
obtained at the rate of P fertilizer for the low class
of 160 kg P ha-1, moderate P class of 80 kg P ha-1
and high P class of 40 kg P ha-1. While for K
nutrient classes, the rate of K fertilizer which
gives the highest yield of maize for low K class of
80 – 160 kg K ha-1, 40 – 80 kg K ha-1 for moderate
K class, and 20 – 40 kg K ha-1 for high K class in
Alfisols soil in Gowa District.
Experiment on farmers’ fields indicated that a
limited number of fields on soils medium or high
nutrient would respond to applied P and K. Sri
Adinigsih et al. in Karama et al. [21] reported that
application of P more than 80-120 kg P ha-1 to
acid soils can increase the yield of other non-rice
food crops. While K fertilizer for maize crop of
80-120 kg K2O ha-1 (Wade et al. in [21]).
Unit Critical Value
Ppm 0.32
me P 100 g-1 85.00
ppm 0.42
ppm 1.04
me K 100 g-1 0.37
me K 100 g-1 0.55
ppm 178.00
ppm 213.00
 Tandisau et al.

Fig. 1. Critical value potassium for maize by various extraction on Alfisols in Gowa District, South
Sulawesi

Dosage of P and K
5 Fertilizer :

4 0 kg ha-1
Y ie ld (t h a-1 )

20 kg ha-1
3
40 kg ha-1
2
80 kg ha-1
1
160 kg ha-1

Soil Nutrient Class

Fig. 2. Maize yield response to phosphorus and potassium fertilizer on each P and K nutrient classes
on Alfisols in Gowa District, South Sulawesi

57
 Tandisau et al.

Table 2. Maize yield to P and K fertilization on several nutrient classes on Alfisols in Gowa District,
South Sulawesi

Maize yield w.c. 12% (t ha-1)

P and K extraction/
0 20 40 80 160
P and K nutrient classes
(Fertilizer dosage, kg P, K ha-1)
- Mechlish a) :
Low-P 1.00 1.77 2.83 3.64 3.84
Moderate-P 2.03 3.03 4.80 4.74 4.39
- HCL 25% b) :
Low-P 0.45 0.85 1.71 2.75 3.64
Moderate-P 1.25 2.07 3.21 4.03 4.12
High-P 2.02 3.14 4.88 4.81 4.25
- Bray-1 c) :
Low-P 1.04 1.87 2.99 3.64 4.13
Moderate-P 1.79 2.69 4.25 4.38 4.10
- Bray-2 d) :
Low-P 0.74 1.32 2.35 3.46 3.80
Moderate-P 1.26 2.15 3.43 3.85 4.10
High-P 1.98 2.94 4.46 4.72 4.28
- NH4OAc pH 4.8 e) :
Low-K 3.87 4.37 4.82 5.02 4.17
Moderate-K 4.53 4.75 5.04 4.90 4.53
- NH4OAc pH 7 f) :
Low-K 3.57 4.01 4.89 5.05 4.55
Moderate-K 4.24 4.69 4.79 4.85 4.49
High-K 5.13 5.27 5.27 5.25 4.78
- Bray-1 g) :
Low-K 3.57 4.01 4.89 5.05 4.55
Moderate-K 4.24 4.69 4.79 4.85 4.49
High-K 5.13 5.27 5.27 5.25 4.78
- Olsen h) :
Low-K 3.48 3.93 4.77 5.03 4.53
Moderate-K 4.44 4.88 5.06 4.87 4.50
High-K 5.14 5.31 4.83 5.05 4.78

Remarks: a) low: < 0.35 ppm; moderate: > 0.35 ppm

b)
low: < 65 mg P 100g-1; moderate: 65 – 90 mg P 100 g-1; high: > 90 mg P 100 g-1
c)
low: < 0.5 ppm; moderate: >0.5 ppm
d)
low: < 0.6 ppm; moderate: 0.6 – 1.2 ppm; high: > 1.2 ppm
e)
low: <0.4 mg K 100 g-1; moderate: > 0.4 mg K 100 g-1
f)
low: < 0.4 mg K 100 g-1; moderate: 0.4 -0.6 mg K 100 g-1; high: >0.6 mg K 100 g-1
g)
low: < 200 ppm; moderate: 200 – 300 ppm; high: > 300 ppm
h)
low: <215 ppm; moderate: 215 – 250 ppm; high: > 250 ppm

Sirappa & Tandisau [22] reported that K
fertilization for Lamuru variety on low class
nutrient is 80 kg K ha-1 is sufficient. Graph curve
of yield response of P and K fertilizer by HCl 25%
and Bray-2 extraction for classes nutrient P and
NH4OAc pH 7 and Olsen extraction for K, which
gives the highest yield, showed Figs. 3 and 4.
Sirappa & Nurdin [23]; Sirappa et al. [24] reported
that P and K fertilization with rates of 200 kg SP-
36 and 50 kg KCl ha-1 combined with 2-ton
manure gave the highest yield of maize about 4,5
– 8.0 t ha-1. According to Widjaja-Adhi [25,26],
determining the optimum dosage of the
preparation needs to be done recommended rate
using response curve fertilization. Based on this
curve, optimum K fertilizer is determined by
following the laws of economics. The
recommended rate of fertilizer is fertilizer to
achieve optimum results. Optimum fertilizer
usually occurs when the crop reaches 90%
maximum yield [27].

58
 Influence of P Fertilizer for Maize Yield on Several Nutrient Influence of P Fertilizer for Maize Yield on Several Nutrient
Class by HCl 25% Extraction Method on Alfisols Soil in Gowa Class by Bray-2 Extraction Method on Alfisols Soil in Gowa
Distrct, South Sulawesi, Indonesia Distrct, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
6,00 5,00

Yield of Maize (t/ha)

5,00 4,50

Yield of Maize (t/ha)

4,00
4,00 3,50
3,00
3,00 2,50
- Low-P 2,00 - Low-P
2,00
- Moderate-P 1,50 - Moderate-P
1,00 1,00
- High-P 0,50 - High-P
0,00 -
0 20 40 80 160 0 20 40 80 160
Rate of P Fertilizer (t/ha) Rate of P Fertilizer (t/ha)

Fig. 3. Graph curve of K fertilizer for maize yield on several nutrient classes by NH4OAc pH 7 and Olsen extraction methods on Alfisols
soil in Gowa District, South Sulawesi

Influence of K Fertilizer for Maize Yield on Several Nutrient Influence of K Fertilizer for Maize Yield on Several Nutrient
Class by NH4OAc pH7 Extraction Method on Alfisols Soil Class by Olsen Extraction Method on Alfisols Soil in Gowa
in Gowa Distrct, South Sulawesi, Indonesi Distrct, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
6,00 6,00
Yield of Maize (t/ha)

5,00 5,00

Yield of Maize (t/ha)

4,00 4,00
3,00 3,00
- Low-K
- Low-K
2,00 2,00
- Moderate-K
- Moderate-K
1,00 - High-K 1,00
- High-K
0,00 0,00
0 20 40 80 160 0 20 40 80 160
Rate of K Fertilizer (t/ha) Rate of K Fertilizer (t/ha)

Fig. 4. Graph curve of K fertilizer for maize yield on several nutrient classes by NH4OAc pH 7 and Olsen extraction methods on Alfisols in
Gowa District, South Sulawesi

59

CONCLUSION
From the results of the study, we can conclude
that critical values of P for maize on Alfisols
(Typic Rhodustalfs) in Gowa District are 0.32 ppm
P, 85 mg P 100 g-1, 0.42 ppm P, and 1.04 ppm P
for each Mechlish, HCl 25%, Bray-1, and Bray-2
extraction, respectively. While for K are 0.37 mg
K 100 g-1, 0.55 mg K 100 g-1, 178 ppm K, and 213
ppm K for each NH4OAc pH 4.8, NH4OAc pH 7,
Bray-1, and Olsen extraction, respectively. Then,
P fertilization on Alfisols (Typic Rhodustalfs) in
Gowa District, South Sulawesi, which give the
highest maize yield was obtained on rate of P
fertilizer for the low class of 160 kg P ha-1,
moderate P class of 80 kg P ha-1 and for high P
class of 40 kg P ha-1. While for K fertilization, the
rate of low K class of 80 – 160 kg K ha-1, 40 – 80
kg K ha-1 for moderate K class, and 20 – 40 kg K
ha-1 for high K class.
For other researchers who want to do similar
research, they can do it on other types of soil that
are usually used for field crops or plantations
(many location approach). This research can also
be further developed to determine the right
amount of P and K in fertilization for certain soils
such as those in Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We would like to express our gratitude and high
appreciation to all the teams involved, both
directly and indirectly, so that the research on P
and K fertilization on maize plants in dry land at
South Sulawesi can be carried out. Thank you also
to the Indonesian Agency for Agricultural
Research and Development for financing this
research so that it is carried out.
COMPETING INTERESTS
Authors have declared that no competing interests
exist.
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