EFFECT OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF NPK AND MICRONUTRIENT ON YIELD AND DISTRIBUTION OF NUTRIENTS IN MAIZE UNDER IRRIGATED AGRICULTURE

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out in Kafer El Kadera village at El–Monofia Governorate, during 5 consecutive years, 2010–2014, to test the effects of NPK and balanced fertilization on the yield and its components, and distribution of nutrients in different parts of maize (var.30K8).

There was a significant increase of the number of leaves/plant, the length of cob, the number of rows in the cob and the number of grains in the row as a result of treated plants with NPK according to soil testing plus foliar application of micronutrients by 34.18, 27.94, 32.182, and 33.43%, respectively.

There was also a significant increase in the chilling % rate, weight of 100 grains and yield of grain / plant, yield /ton/ha by 16.52, 35.39, 68.40, and 72.92%, respectively.

There was an increase in the concentration of nitrogen in the grains, Envelope and leaves and increase in the concentration of phosphorus in the Envelope (husk leaves), Cob core and leaves, Also, increase in the concentration of potassium in the Envelope, stem and root, and increase in calcium concentration in grains and leaves also, increase in sodium in the envelope and roots.

Values of iron and manganese concentrations were increased in grains, envelope and leaves, as well as increased concentration of zinc and copper in leaves.

Significant positive correlation was found between concentrations of most leaf nutrients concentrations and nutrient concentrations of grain except significant negative correlation between P concentrations in leaves and K concentrations in grains and between Mg in leaves and Zn in grains and between Na in leaves and Fe concentrations in grains. As well as significant positive correlation were found between Ca, Zn and yield.