Motivation of farmer group members in the application of balanced fertilization in maize (Zea mays) plant cultivation

Balanced fertilizer application technology aims not only to increase crop production but also to improve fertilizer efficiency and protect the environment from agrochemical pollution. However, its application in the field still faces several barriers, both technical and non-technical. This study aims to determine the level of farmer motivation to apply balanced fertilization in maize production, identify the factors that influence the level of farmer motivation, and develop effective strategies. In addition, the study aims to compare maize plant growth between farmers' habits and the application of balanced fertilization. The methods used in this study were descriptive and multiple linear regression. The descriptive quantitative method was used while the data were collected through observation, questionnaires, interviews, and literature studies. The population consisted of 181 maize farmers who were members of farmer groups. The respondents were 65 individuals selected through purposive sampling from 181 individuals who were members of farmer groups and engaged in maize cultivation. In addition, field experiments were conducted with two treatments: farmers' custom or P0, consisting of urea 400 + NPK 15-15-15 100 kg/ha + fertilizer scattered on the soil surface, and balanced fertilization or P1, consisting of urea 300 + NPK 15-15-15 300 kg/ha + fertilizer buried in the soil. The results of the study showed that the farmers' motivation to apply balanced fertilization was in the medium category with 67.7%. The study also identified two significant factors that influenced the farmers' motivation, namely the function of farmer groups with p = 0.004 and government support with p = 0.001. To increase farmer motivation, socialization programs should focus on the lowest indicator value, which was the ability of farmers to apply balanced fertilization. The field experiments showed that the growth of maize plants in the balanced fertilizer treatment was significantly better than that in the farmer's habit treatment. This was indicated by plant height, number of leaves, dry kernel yield, and cob+husk yield.