Studies on impact of phosphoenriched compost, chemical fertilizer and method of zinc application on yield, uptake and quality of maize (Zea mays)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2012 and 2013 at New Delhi to examine the effect of phosphorus (P) sources and zinc (Zn) application on yield, uptake and quality of maize (Zea mays L.). Application of P -phosphoenriched compost (PEC) + P -fertilizer (F) recorded higher yield attributes, grain yield 50 50 (4.3 t/ha) and protein (9.2%) with amino acids content in grain. The P50- PEC + P50- F recorded higher P, Zn and Fe uptake in grain, stover and total (grain + stover) than the control. The application of 12.5 kg/ha of ZnSO + 1 fo- 4 liar spray of ZnSO @ 0.5% recorded the highest values of yield attributes and grain yield (4.2 t/ha) of maize. The 4 P and Zn uptake in grain and stover were found highest in soil + foliar-applied plots. The higher Fe uptake in grain was found with 2 foliar sprays of Zn. The higher crude protein (9%) and amino acids were found in 25 kg/ha of ZnSO and it was on a par with soil + foliar application of Zn. Overall, combined application of PEC and chemical 4 fertilizer with soil + foliar application of Zn proved promising in for higher yield with increased tissue uptake of nu- trients and for higher protein and amino acids content in grain.