EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT IRRIGATION LEVELS AND NITROGEN DOSSES ON MINERAL CONTENTS OF MAIZE GRAINS

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the effects of different irrigation levels and nitrogen doses on macro and micronutrient contents of maize grains. Experiments were conducted with 3 different irrigation levels (100, 75 and 50% of field capacity) and 3 different nitrogen doses (100, 200 and 300 kg ha-1). Experiments were conducted in summer-growing seasons of the years 2013-2014 in split plots experimental design with 3 replications (irrigation levels on main plots and nitrogen doses on sub-plots). Grain N, P, B, Na, Fe, Mn, Zn and Mg contents increased and K, Ca, S, and Cu, contents decreased with increasing irrigation levels. Grain N, P, S, Cu, Fe and Mn contents increased. Grain K, Ca, and Mg contents initially increased and then decreased later on with increasing nitrogen doses. Nitrogen treatments were found to be as much effective as irrigation levels on grain mineral contents. Supportive treatments (irrigation, nitrogen) are recommended to eliminate mineral deficiencies in maize culture of the regions with water stress conditions.