Rate and Timing of Meat and Bone Meal Applications Influence Growth, Yield, and Soil Water Nitrate Concentrations in Sweet Corn Production

Using local resources and minimizing environmental impacts are two important components of sustainable agriculture. Meat bone meal (MBM), tankage, is a locally produced organic fertilizer. This study was conducted to investigate the response sweet corn (Zea mays L. var. saccharata Stuart.) soil water nitrate (NO3-N) concentration MBM application at locations, Waimānalo Poamoho, on island O’ahu. The objectives were determine effects six rates (0, 112, 224, 336, 448 672 kg N ha−1) timings (preplant split application) on: (1) growth, yield, quality, (2) within below root zone. split-plot designed as four replicates randomly arranged in complete block. Plant growth roots shoots, relative leaf chlorophyll content increased with increasing both locations. At yield 13.6% greater preplant versus application. Nitrate-nitrogen losses reduced by 20% 40% Poamoho when applied applications. These findings suggest that an effective nitrogen source for may reduce potential pollution.