Effects of Cattle Manure and Indigenous Mycorrhizal Inoculation on Mycorrhizal Colonization, Growth, and Yield of Sweet Corn in Sandy Soil

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the combined effects of cattle manure and indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation on root mycorrhizal colonization, the growth performance, and yield of sweet corn cultivated in sandy soil. AMF are beneficial soil fungi that form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, enhancing nutrient uptake—especially phosphorus—and improving plant growth under nutrient-poor conditions. Meanwhile, cattle manure is a widely used organic amendment that enriches soil fertility by supplying essential nutrients and improving soil physical properties, particularly in degraded sandy soils. Study Design: A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications was employed to account for variability within the experimental field. Place and Duration of Study: The field experiment was conducted in Moncok Karya, Ampenan Subdistrict, Mataram City, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia (coordinates: 8°34′7″ S, 116°5′42″ E), from April to June 2025. Methodology: The experiment was conducted using a RCBD with five treatments and four replications, resulting in a total of 20 experimental units. The treatments were: P0: control (no cattle manure or mycorrhizal inoculation); P1: application of cattle manure 10 t/ha; P2: application of mycorrhizal 3 t/ha; P3: combination of cattle manure 5 t/ha and mycorrhizal 1.5 t/ha; and P4: combination of cattle manure 10 t/ha and mycorrhizal 3 t/ha. Parameters observed were plant height, number of leaves, fresh and dry biomass weight, ear weight, spore count, root mycorrhizal colonization, and final yield. Results: The combined application of cattle manure 10 t/ha and indigenous AMF 3 t/ha significantly improved the growth performance, yield, and soil biological activity of sweet corn cultivated in sandy soils. This treatment resulted in greater plant biomass and cob production compared to either sole applications or the control. Moreover, a substantial increase in root mycorrhizal colonization and spore density was observed, indicating improved symbiotic activity and microbial proliferation in the rhizosphere. Conclusion: The combined application of cattle manure 10 t/ha and indigenous AMF 3 t/ha significantly improved sweet corn growth, yield, and soil biological activity in sandy soils by increasing nutrient availability and promoting mycorrhizal colonization.