Effect of Potassium Level on Growth, Yield, Nutrient Uptake and Economics of Hybrid Maize

Abstract

Potassium is indeed one of the major essential nutrients required for optimal plant growth and development. It plays a crucial role in various physiological and biochemical processes within plants. In order to investigate the effect of different level of potassium on growth, yield, nutrient uptake and economics of hybrid maize a experiment was conducted at District Seed Farm of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani, Nadia and West Bengal, India. In experiment Randomized Block Design was employed and consisted of six treatment levels of potassium : T1 (0 kg K2O ha-1), T2 (30 kg K2O ha-1), T3 (60 kg K2O ha-1), T4 (90 kg K2O ha-1), T5 (120 kg K2O ha-1) and T6 (150 kg K2O ha-1) with recommended dose of nitrogen and phosphorus (120:60 N : P2O5 kg ha-1 ). Result indicated that plant height, grain yield, stover yield, net return and benefit : Cost ratio showed significant response upto 90 kg K20 ha-1. The total uptake of N, P and K showed significant response upto 90 kg K20 ha-1. Based on the results of the experiment, it was found that the application of potassium up to 90 kg K2O ha-1 is necessary to ensure a continuous supply of potassium to maize plants. This optimal potassium level was associated with higher maize yields and economic benefits, particularly when cultivating hybrid maize varieties.