<![CDATA[iUltisols have considerable potential for agricultural development due to their extensive distribution; however, their utilization is constrained by low organic matter, nutrient deficiencies, and subsurface clay accumulation that reduces water infiltration and increases erosion. Sweet corn (Zea mays L. var. saccharata) is an important agricultural commodity with promising development prospects in Indonesia and is widely cultivated on dryland soils, particularly Ultisols. Rice straw compost application represents a sustainable organic approach to improving soil fertility and enhancing sweet corn productivity. This study aimed to determine the optimal rice straw compost dosage for improving total nitrogen (N-total), nitrogen uptake, and sweet corn yield on Ultisol. The research was conducted from June to September 2023 in Karang Anyar II Village, Argamakmur District, North Bengkulu, Indonesia, with soil analysis performed at the Soil Science Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bengkulu. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was employed, consisting of six treatments: 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 tons ha⁻¹ of rice straw compost. Results indicated that 20 tons ha⁻¹ was the most effective dosage for increasing N-total and nitrogen uptake, reaching 1.80% and 1.03 g plant⁻¹, respectively. Meanwhile, 10 tons ha⁻¹ produced the best yield components, including cob length (31.19 cm), cob weight (280.38 g), and plant dry biomass (53.13 g). The highest root dry weight (26.75 g) was obtained at 15 tons ha⁻¹. These findings demonstrate that rice straw compost can be effectively utilized as an organic soil amendment to improve soil fertility and support sustainable sweet corn production on Ultisols, with optimal dosages varying according to the targeted variabel (soil fertility, nutrient uptake, or yield). ]]>
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