EFFECT OF VINASSE WASTE AS POTASSIUM ORGANIC SOURCE ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF MAIZE

Sandy soils face significant challenges due to their low moisture retention and nutrient content. This study aimed to improve soil fertility, nutrient uptake, and maize yield (variety: Pioneer P4444) by applying six mixtures of Dry Vinasse Waste (DVW) as organic fertilizer and different NPK fertilizer rates, alongside a control, with three replicates. Maize was grown in pots for one season, and soil properties, plant parameters, and productivity were evaluated. Results indicated that soil salinity was increased across all treatments, while pH decreased with Vinasse application. Organic matter content improved in all Vinasse treatments, except when a full NP dose was combined with mineral and organic K sources. Soil K content significantly increased with Vinasse application, while N and P concentrations showed inconsistent trends. Plant N content was highest with a full NP dose and K from both mineral and organic sources, comparable to full mineral NPK treatment. However, plant P and K content responses were inconsistent. Ca and Mg levels were highest under a recommended NP dose combined with K fully from organic or mixed sources. Seed yield and chlorophyll content increased significantly in all treatments compared to the control. The greatest plant height and elongation rate were observed with a recommended NP dose and full K from mineral or mixed sources. These findings highlight the potential of Vinasse, in combination with optimized NP rates, to enhance soil fertility and maize production in sandy soils.