The use of synthetic chemical pesticides such as Permethrin and excessive inorganic fertilizers can have negative impacts on the environment, health, and production costs. This study tested a combination of organic fertilizers (compost and cow manure) with bioinsecticides (Mikania micrantha) to reduce pesticide residues and improve the quality and yield of sweet corn. The method used was a two-factor factorial randomized block design (ARG) with two factors: fertilizer type (P0: chemical fertilizer, P1: cow manure 4 kg/plot, P2: compost 4 kg/plot) and pesticide type (I0: no pesticide, I1: Insecticide 2 ml/L, I2: Biopesticide 0.5 ml/L). The results of the study show that the combination of cow manure and biopesticide (P1I2) can significantly increase the weight of corn cobs per plot by 1.23 kg/plot. Furthermore, the application of insecticide and biopesticide at the recommended dosage does not affect the level of permethrin residue (still within safe limits), which is <0.02 mg/kg. The research conclusion proves that organic fertilizer and bioinsecticide are effective and environmentally friendly alternatives for sustainable agriculture.
Sahat Rahmat Silaban1, Rahmad Setia Budi2*, Yayuk Purwaningrum2, Yenni Asbur2, Fiqi Alfisar Lubis3 (Thu,) studied this question.