Optimization of Biochar and Liquid Organic Fertilizer Application for Improving Growth and Yield of Sweet Corn on Inceptisol

Sweet corn production on Inceptisol soils is often constrained by low organic matter content and limited nutrient availability, resulting in suboptimal plant growth and yield. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of biochar and liquid organic fertilizer (LOF), applied individually and in combination, on the vegetative growth and yield of sweet corn. The experiment was conducted from June to September 2025 at the experimental field of the Soil Chemistry and Plant Nutrition Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran, using a Randomized Complete Block Design with seven treatments and four replications. Treatments consisted of a control, biochar alone, LOF alone, and various combinations of biochar and LOF. Biochar was applied during soil preparation, while LOF was applied weekly until seven weeks after planting. Growth parameters observed included plant height, stem diameter, and number of leaves, while yield parameters comprised ear weight, ear length, and ear diameter. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance, followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at the 5% significance level. The results showed that integrated application of biochar and LOF significantly improved vegetative growth and yield of sweet corn compared to single-input treatments and the control. The combined application of biochar and LOF at full rates consistently produced the highest growth and yield values, indicating a synergistic interaction between soil amendment and nutrient input. These findings suggest that integrated biochar and LOF management is an effective strategy for enhancing sweet corn productivity on Inceptisol soils.