Effect of nitrogen form on maize response to drought stress

Abstract

Two hybrids of maize (Zea mays L.) differing in resistance to drought, were grown in chernozem soil in a greenhouse and were fertilized with two different forms of nitrogen: Ca(NO3)2 and (NH4)2SO4 in concentrations corresponding to 100 kg of N ha-1. After emergence of the 4th leaf, plants were exposed to drought. During the drought period, the parameters of plant water status (water potential, osmotic potential, turgor pressure and relative water content) and chlorophyll a+b concentration were monitored every two days. N and K concentration and accumulation over the drought period were also monitored.