Soil and foliar application of zinc-methionine and zinc sulfate effects on growth and micronutrients enrichment in maize cultivated in lime-rich and poor soils

Abstract

Less uptake of zinc (Zn) in maize is a serious issue when cultivated in lime soils. The higher concentration of lime significantly affects soil pH. It also minimized the phyto-available pool of micronutrients, i.e., Zn, iron (Fe), copper (Cu), in soil. In these micronutrients, the balance uptake of Zn and its enrichment in maize has prime importance. Application methods and sources of Zn application can overcome this problem. The current study was conducted to assess soil and foliar application's efficacious functioning toward improvement in Zn uptake and dry matter production of maize Two sources of Zn (zinc-methionine and zinc sulfate) were applied at the rate of 5 mg Zn kg−1, 0,2% Zn. Results showed that soil + foliar Zn methionine performed significantly better than all other treatments for increase in dry weight of maize in lime-rich and poor soils. A significant increase in Zn concentration of maize signified soil + foliar Zn methionine's imperative functioning over all the treatments in lime-rich and poor soils. However, results also showed that both sources of Zn application via soil and foliar caused a significant decline in Fe, Cu and Mn concentration in maize in lime-rich and poor soils. On an average, in lime-rich and poor soils, performance was better in lime-poor soils over lime-rich soils. In conclusion, soil + foliar Zn methionine is an effective amendment for improving maize dry matter and Zn enrichment in maize when cultivated in lime-rich and poor soils.