Molybdenum application forms associated to topdressing nitrogen fertilization in the production of maize crops

Abstract

Nitrogen fertilization associated to the application of molybdenum (Mo) can increase grain yield in maize crops. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of molybdenum application forms associated to topdressing nitrogen fertilization on production components and maize crops grain yield. The experiment was conducted with the cultivar Pioneer® 30F53H, under a randomized blocks experimental design, with subdivided parcels and four replications. Four forms of Mo applications were evaluated in each parcel: control (without Mo); seeds treatment (40 g ha-1 Mo); foliar treatment (40 g ha-1 Mo); seeds treatment (20 g ha-1 Mo) plus foliar treatment (20 g ha-1 Mo), using potassium molybdate as Mo source. The sub-parcels received four dosages of nitrogen (N), in topdressing (0, 80, 160 and 240 kg ha-1 N), in the form of urea. The experiment evaluated plant height, ear insertion height, stem diameter, number of grains per ear, 100 grains mass and grain yield in maize crops. The increase in N dosages in topdressing increases plant height, ear insertion height, stem diameter, number of grains per ear, 100 grains mass and maize crop grains yield. The application of molybdenum improves N absorption by maize crops. When applied via seeds treatment, Mo brings better results to foliar application in partial or total dosages.