Effect of Farmyard Manure Application on Yield and Some Quality Characteristics of Popcorn (Zea mays L. everta Sturt) at the Organic Farming

Aims: It was aimed to determine the effect of different levels of farmyard manure on yield and quality attributes of the popcorn (Zea mays L. everta Sturt) grown under second crop conditions.

Study Design: The experiment was set up according to randomized complete blocks experimental design with 3 replicates.

Place and Duration of Study: Research was conducted in 2018 under Harran Plain conditions as second crop, Sanliurfa, Turkey.

Methodology: Antcin hybrid popcorn variety was used as a plant material. Farmyard manure (FYM) applications were 0 (control), 1 tone da-1 FYM, 2 tone da-1 FYM, 3 tone da-1 FYM, 4 tone da-1 FYM, 5 tone da-1 FYM and 6 tone da-1 FYM. In study, plant height, stem diameter, grain yield, 1000 kernel weight, popping volume and protein ratio values were researched.

Results: Farmyard manure levels were significant in all tested characteristics. Farmyard manure levels effected positively on plant height (P≤0.05), stem diameter, grain yield, 1000 kernel weight, popping volume and protein ratio (P≤0.01). The highest plant height value was seen 6 tone da-1 application of FYM application whereas the lowest plant height value was found at control parcel. Stem diameter value ranged from 19.33 mm (control) to 23.87 mm (5 tone da-1 FYM). The highest grain yield value obtained from 6 tone da-1 FYM (489.71 kg da-1) while the lowest value was seen at control parcel (219.95 kg da-1). But 4, 5 and 6 tone da-1 FYM applications were found in same statistical groups. 1000 kernel weight values ranged from 159.60 g to 204.67 g. The highest popping volume value was seen 6 tone da-1 FYM treatment. Protein ratio (%) values ranged from % 9.27 to %14.01. The highest protein ratio was obtained from 6 tone da-1 FYM while the lowest protein ratio value was found at control parcel.

Conclusion: All farmyard manure levels effected positively on plant height, stem diameter, grain yield, popping volume and protein ratio. The highest grain yield value was seen at 6 tone da-1 FYM. But, 4, 5 and 6 tone da-1 FYM treatments were in the same statistical groups. There was no statistically significant increase in grain yield after 4 tone da-1 farmyard application (478.57 kg da-1). According to research results, considering grain yield, popping volume and protein ratio values, 4 tone da-1 farmyard manure was seen sufficient in organic popcorn cultivation.