Effectiveness of principal component analysis on optimization of N:P:K fertilization on various maize varieties

Maize cultivation through the interaction of fertilizer and variety has been widely studied. However, the focus has been mainly on the yield, even though it is greatly influenced by many factors. This indicates that maize cultivation needs to involve several combinations of selection characters in its evaluations, such as those through principal component analysis. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of PCA and to detect the interaction pattern between each variety to the fertilizer dose. The study was organized in a split-plot design. The main plot was the N:P:K fertilizer dose consisting of 5 levels (60%, 80%, 100%, 120%, and 140%), while the subplots consisted of seven maize varieties (Sinhas I, Jakarin 1, Nasa 29, HJ 36, Bisi 18, ADV and NK 212). The whole combination was repeated three times, resulting in 105 treatment units. Based on the results of this study, PCA was considered effective in evaluating fertilizer and varieties interaction. The PCA determination values (R2) were relatively higher on several varieties than only based on the yield. Jakarin, HJ 36, Bisi 18 and ADV varieties had a good response with increasing fertilizer doses. Especially, Bisi 18 and ADV varieties can be recommended for high fertilizer doses. Meanwhile, the NK 212 variety is recommended for the general fertilizer dose in alluvial soil of tropical climate in South Sulawesi (N:P:K (200:150:100) kg ha-1).