Abstract

Sweet corn productivity is closely related to effective nutrient management, particularly potassium supply, while excessive reliance on inorganic fertilizers may reduce soil sustainability. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of bokashi as a partial substitute for KCl applied at different times on the growth and yield of sweet corn. The experiment was conducted from April to July 2023 in Bengkulu City, Indonesia, using a randomized complete block design with two factors: bokashi application timing (at planting, 7 days before planting, and 14 days before planting) and combinations of bokashi and KCl doses (5 ton ha⁻¹ + 50 kg ha⁻¹ KCl, 7.5 ton ha⁻¹ + 75 kg ha⁻¹ KCl, and 10 ton ha⁻¹ + 100 kg ha⁻¹ KCl). Growth and yield parameters were analyzed using ANOVA followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at 5%. The results showed that bokashi application timing did not significantly affect growth and yield variables. Bokashi–KCl dosage significantly influenced shoot fresh weight, with the highest value obtained from 7.5 ton ha⁻¹ bokashi combined with 75 kg ha⁻¹ KCl applied seven days before planting. Other growth and yield parameters were not significantly affected by bokashi dosage. In conclusion, bokashi can partially substitute KCl without reducing sweet corn performance, with moderate doses applied before planting providing optimal biomass. This finding highlights the potential of bokashi-based fertilization to support more sustainable sweet corn production.