Effect of Foliar Application of Potassium and Zinc Elements on Maize Yield and Grain Nutrient Content Under Water-Deficit Conditions

Abstract

ABSTRACT The valuable corn plant is affected by complications if faced with water deficit conditions, feeding the plant with potassium and zinc elements at the right time can be a useful solution in creating plant resistance. To scrutinize the effect of time of foliar application of potassium and zinc elements on grain yield and concentration of nutrients in maize seed (variety SC 704) under water deficit conditions, a split-split plot experiment was conducted in the form of a completely randomized block design with three repetitions during two crop years at Ahvaz Agricultural Research Station. Treatment of water deficit conditions in the form of irrigation cutting off in two stages of 12 leaves and beginning of tassel emergence with the control treatment was considered as the main plot and foliar application of potassium element in the growth stages (8 leaves, 8 + 12 leaves and without foliar application(control)) was considered as the sub-plot. Also, foliar application of zinc element in the growth stages (8 leaves, 8 + 12 leaves and without foliar application (control)) was regarded as the sub-sub plot. The highest values of yield (1073.8 gr.m-2) was obtained in optimal irrigation treatment with two stages of potassium and zinc foliar application. The highest concentrations of potassium (1.37%), zinc (37.59 mg.gr-1) and protein (15.23%) were accumulated in the seeds when the irrigation was cut off at the tassel stage along with two stages of potassium and zinc foliar application. Phosphorus (0.41%) with two stages of zinc foliar application increased significantly.