Maize Nutrient Uptake Research Articles

Synergistic Effects of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria and Chitosan on In Vitro Seeds Germination, Greenhouse Growth, and Nutrient Uptake of Maize (Zea mays L.).

This study aimed to assess the effects of three plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and chitosan either singly or in combination on maize seeds germination and growth and nutrient uptake. Maize seeds were treated with chitosan and bacterial solution. The germination and growth tests were carried out in square Petri dishes and plastic pots. The combination chitosan-A. lipoferum-P. fluorescens has increased the seeds vigor index up to 36.44% compared to the control. In comparison to the control, P. putida has significantly improved root weight (44.84%) and germinated seed weight (31.39%) whereas chitosan-P. putida has increased the shoot weight (65.67%). For the growth test, the maximal heights (17.66%) were obtained by plants treated with the combination A. lipoferum-P. fluorescens-P. putida. Chitosan-P. fluorescens induced the highest increases of leaves per plant (50.09%), aerial (84.66%), and underground biomass (108.77%) production. The plants inoculated with A. lipoferum had the large leaf areas with an increase of 54.08%, while combinations P. fluorescens-P. putida and chitosan-A. lipoferum improved the aerial and underground dry matter of plants to 26.35% and 18.18%. The nitrogen content of the plants was increased by chitosan-A. lipoferum-P. fluorescens-P. putida with an increasing of 41.61%. The combination of chitosan and PGPR can be used as biological fertilizers to increase maize production.

Fractions of Manganese in Soil under Long-Term Experiment and Their Contribution to Manganese Availability and Uptake by Maize-Wheat Cropping Sequence

ABSTRACTManganese (Mn) is an essential micronutrient needed for plant growth and development, but it can be toxic to plants in excess amounts. Long-term fertilizer experiment and intensive cropping alter the soil properties and also affect its plant-available Mn contents. To understand the dynamics of Mn under long-term fertilizer experiment the present study was initiated during 1972 at the experimental farm of College of Agriculture, CSK HPKV, Palampur (32° 6′ N latitude and 76° 3′ E longitude) in a randomized block design with 11 treatments replicated three times with a maize-wheat cropping sequence. The soils of the experimental area in the beginning of the experiment were acidic in reaction and taxonomically classified as Typic Hapludalfs. Surface (0.0–20 cm) and subsurface (20–40 cm) soil samples taken after the harvest of maize (kharif, 2008) were analyzed for pools of Mn and chemical indices of soil quality using standard analytical methods. Besides, the pools of Mn were also determined in the composite soil samples drawn from adjacent fallow plots. Results showed that all the pools of Mn were noticeably greater in farmyard manure (FYM)–amended plots compared to zero-fertilized plots. Although the residual fraction was found to be the most dominant fraction, organically bound and exchangeable forms were found to play major roles in the nutrient supply, crop productivity, and nutrient uptake. The greatest productivity of maize (2008) and wheat (2008–09) was recorded under the 100% nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) + FYM treatment. FYM and lime treatments resulted in significantly greater uptake of all the nutrients by both the crops compared to other treatments. The organically bound fraction was found to have the greatest significant and positive correlation with yield and nutrient uptake of maize and wheat crops. Further regression analysis studies revealed that the organic form was the most important pool contributing towards the variation in the parameters. Exchangeable and organically bound forms contributed significantly towards diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA)–extractable Mn.

Effect of TNAU Customized Fertilizer on Sustaining Soil Fertility and Enhancing the Maize Yield

Customized fertilization for specific crops can provide the solutions to get the maximum yields and enhance the overall use efficiency of all the plant nutrients. A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of TNAU customized fertilizer mixture on yield, nutrient uptake of maize and on soil fertility with 6 treatments in randomized block design. The treatments included the application of 120 kg Urea ha-1 + 50 kg DAP ha-1 as Farmers’ practice (T ), Farmers’ practice (T ) 1 1 with micronutrient mixture @ 15 kg ha-1 as EFYM (T ), Recommended dose of fertilizers (NPK alone) (T ), CF1 (Customized fertilizer) -RDF with TNAU micronutrient mixture @ 15 kg ha-1 as EFYM (T ), CF2- RDF with TNAU micronutrient mixture @ 30 kg ha-1 as straight chemical fertilizers (T ) and CF3- RDF with TNAU micronutrient mixture @ 30 kg ha-1 as EFYM (T ). The dry matter 5 6 production, yield parameters, grain and straw yield of maize recorded the highest in CF3- RDF with TNAU micronutrient mixture @ 30 kg ha-1 as EFYM (T ) and the grain yield was 32% higher than the farmers’ practice. The nutrient uptake of macro and micro nutrients recorded higher in the above mentioned treatment followed by application of RDF (NPK) with TNAU micronutrient mixture @ 15 kg ha-1 as EFYM (T ). The application of CF3- RDF with TNAU micronutrient mixture @ 30 kg ha-1 as EFYM (T ) has registered the increased the availability of macro and micro nutrients instead of depleting the soil fertility even after the harvest of crop. From the results, it is concluded that the application of CF3- RDF with TNAU micronutrient mixture @ 30 kg ha-1 as EFYM (T6) for maize can maximize the yield with higher net profit.

Mycorrhiza and PGPB modulate maize biomass, nutrient uptake and metabolic pathways in maize grown in mining-impacted soil

Abiotic stress factors including poor nutrient content and heavy metal contamination in soil, can limit plant growth and productivity. The main goal of our study was to evaluate element uptake, biomass and metabolic responses in maize roots growing in mining-impacted soil with the combination of arbuscular mycorrhiza (My) and plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB/B). Maize plants subjected to PGPB, My and combined treatments showed a significant increase in biomass and uptake of some elements in shoot and root. Metabolite analysis identified 110 compounds that were affected ≥2-fold compared to control, with 69 metabolites upregulated in the My group, 53 metabolites in the My+B group and 47 metabolites in B group. Pathway analysis showed that impact on glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism was common between My and My+B groups, whereas PGPB group showed a unique effect on fatty acid biosynthesis with significant increase in palmitic acid and stearic acid. Differential regulation of some metabolites by mycorrhizal treatment correlated with root biomass while PGPB regulated metabolites correlated with biomass increase in shoot. Overall, the combination of rhizospheric microorganisms used in our study significantly increased maize nutrient uptake and growth relative to control. The changes in metabolic pathways identified during the symbiotic interaction will improve our understanding of mechanisms involved in rhizospheric interactions that are responsible for increased growth and nutrient uptake in crop plants.

Effects of Biochar on Chemical Properties of Three Types of Soil and Nutrient Uptake of Maize under Drought Stress

This study was conducted to determine the effects of biochar on the chemical properties of three types of soils and the nutrient uptake and yield of the maize plant grown on the soils. The experimental results are as follows: (i) In Loess soil, when the biochar application rate was 15 t/ha, the soil chemical properties was barely improved, but the nutrient uptake of maize was obviously improved. The amount of biochar application was at 30 t/ha, the result was just on the contrary and 60 t/ha application of biochar performed a poor effect on the soil chemical properties as well as on the nutrient uptake of maize. (ii) In sandy soil, when the application of biochar reached to 15 t/ha, there were not remarkable effects on soil chemical properties and moderate promoting effect on nutrient uptake of maize. Additionally, the biochar application at a rate of 30 t/ha led to a small effect on the both, but 60 t/ha amount made a significant improvement in both. (iii) In loessal soil, applying 15 t/ha biochar to soil had a moderate effect on chemical properties' improvement, but the promotional effect on nutrient uptake of maize is poor. When the amount of biochar application was at 30 t/ha, soil chemical properties were significantly improved but the effect on nutrient uptake of maize was moderate. However, 60 t/ha biochar application obviously improved nutrient uptake of maize, but the effect of chemical properties improvement was poor.

Potassium Fertilization Influences Growth, Physiology and Nutrients Uptake of Maize (Zea Mays L.)

Abstract A pot experiment in wire house was conducted to investigate the effect of potassium fertilization on physiology, growth and nutrient uptake of maize. Surface soil samples were collected and analyzed for soil physico-chemical properties and NPK contents. Pots were saturated with water and filled with soil (5 kg soil/pot). Potassium fertilizer was applied in five different treatments as T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 with 0, 70, 100, 130, and 160 kg ha-1, respectively. Nitrogen and phosphorus were applied @ 250 and 100 kg ha-1 (recommended), respectively, in all the pots, including control. Experiment was planned in completely randomized design (CRD), with three repeats. Plant growth, nutrient uptake and concentration in roots and shoots, net photosynthesis, rate of transpiration, stomatal conductance and substomatal CO2 concentration were significantly improved with increasing K application rate. It also increased water use efficiency (WUE) and decreased root: shoot dry weight ratio of maize. Treatment T3 resulted in maximum growth, physiological characteristics and nutrient uptake. It was concluded that K fertilization improves physiological characteristics resulting in enhanced WUE and nutrient uptake eventually producing more yield. It is recommended to apply K fertilization in drought stress conditions.

Effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Fungi (AMF) and The Organic Material to The Glomalin Production and The Soil Physical Properties of Ultisols

Metabolism of Arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) requires nitrogen from organic matter to produce glomalin on hyphae. Glomalin able to granulate the soil particles are dispersed to form a stable soil aggregates to create good soil structure. Improvement of soil structure will provide optimal conditions for the development of organisms and plant roots. AMF and the use of organic matter as a source of N for the AMF has done research on Sitiung Ultisol. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of AMF and organic material to the glomalin production, as well as its relationship with the soil physical properties. This research was conducted at the greenhouse of Faculty Agriculture Andalas University Padang. West Sumatra Indonesia. Soil samples of soil physical properties observed in the area of mycorrhiza hyphae found (mycorhizalsphere) which is influenced by differences glomalin generated by the AMF. The results of the reserach showed that treatment of AMF and Nitrogen organic ingredients affect significantly on the glomalin, whereas the effect of treatment it gives a different effect on soil physical properties. Organic materials do not affect significantly on the availability of soil water content, but very significant effect on water content at 2.54 pF. AMF species that produce a higher glomalin can be significant in improving soil physical properties, ie versiforme G. and G. luteum although without the use of organic materials or organic. Both these species give a positive response to the growth of maize by mycorrhizalsphere (MGR = mycorrhizal growth response) and nutrient uptake of maize.

Impact of PSB (Bacillus subtilis) and endomycorrhiza on growth, yield, quality and nutrient uptake in maize (Zea maysL.) under temperate conditions of Kashmir

A field experiment was conducted at Regional Research Station Wadura, Sopore (Kashmir) during kharif 2013 to assess the impact of a phosphate solubilizing bacterium (PSB) Bacillus subtilis and vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM) on maize cv. ‘KG-2’. The treatments comprised of 3 levels of biofertilizers (control, PSB and VAM) and 4 levels of inorganic phosphorus fertilizer [0, 25, 50 and 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) i.e. 60 kg P ha−1]. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with each treatment replicated thrice. Maximum plant height (166 cm), biomass production (104 q ha−1), grain yield (46.0 q ha−1) and crude protein (10%) were recorded in treatment VAM + PSB + 50% RDF. The use of VAM and PSB in combination with different P levels enhanced plant NPK uptake over control. Maximum uptake of N (103.0 kg ha−1), P (29.1 kg ha−1) and K (95.6 kg ha−1) was observed in treatment combination of VAM +PSB + 50% RDF.

Maize nutrient uptake affected by genotype and fertilization

The content of nutrients in maize are commonly related with fertilization and soil quality and rarely explained with the individual hybrid properties. Therefore, the aim of this study is to access a long term fertilization system on ear leaf of Mg, Fe, Mn and Cu content in six maize hybrids(NS 3014, NS 4015, NS 5043, NS 6010, NS 6030 and NS 7020). Samples were collected from a long-term experiment at the Rimski Sancevi experimental field of the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad. The study included maize monoculture and 2-year rotations with the application of NPK and manure. Results showed that ear Mg content was influenced with the treatments, hybrid and their interaction and ranged from 1.77-2.69 g kg-1. Iron variability was significantly affected with the treatments and interaction (hybrid x treatments) in range from 103.2 to151.9g kg-1. The ear manganese content (41.1-63.6g kg-1) derived from treatments and hybrid effect and Cu (12.3-23.6 g kg-1) was significantly influenced with treatments. Across all treatments, in average, NS6030 had higher values of nutrient and NS3014 was lower in ear nutrient content. This indicates that vegetation length could favor nutrient accumulation. Obtained results suggested that even on fairly productive soil such as Chernozem hybrid selection and the balanced fertilization is crucial for managing the maize nutrient content.

Influence of Sources and Rates of Manure on Yield and Nutrient Uptake of Maize (<i>Zea mays</i> L.) in Maiduguri, Nigeria

Lack of proper knowledge on the type and exact quantity of manure required by crops are among the major constraints to maize production in Maiduguri. Thus a pot experiment was carried out in the screen house of University of Maiduguri to assess the effects of sources and rates of manure suitable for optimum maize production in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. The experiment was established as completely randomized design (CRD) with 4 manure treatments, 3 rates plus 3 controls (no manure), replicated 3 times. The results showed that, yield and nutrient uptake of maize was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) influenced by treatments at 21 and 42 days after planting (DAP). Cow manure treatment on average, produced the best of growth, yield and nutrient uptake (N,P, and K uptake) of maize compared to other treatments. Also, on average, values of most parameters in the 10 and 20 t/ha rates were statistically similar or higher than those of 30 t/h/ha. However, 10t/ha rate is considered more appropriate as it produces same effects as those of 20t/ha rates. From the results, it can be concluded that application of 10t/ha cow manure is adequate for optimum maize production in Maiduguri, North-Eastern Nigeria.Keywords: Manure sources, Rates, Growth, Yield, Nutrient Uptake, Maize

Film fully-mulched ridge-furrow cropping affects soil biochemical properties and maize nutrient uptake in a rainfed semi-arid environment

This study evaluated the effects of plastic mulched ridge-furrow cropping on soil biochemical properties and maize (Zea mays L.) nutrient uptake in a semi-arid environment. Three treatments were evaluated from 2008 to 2010: no mulch (narrow ridges with crop seeded next to ridges), half mulch (as per no mulch, except narrow ridges were mulched), and full mulch (alternate narrow and wide ridges, all mulched with maize seeded in furrows). Compared to the no mulch treatment, full mulch increased maize grain yield by 50% in 2008 and 25% in 2010, but reduced yield by 21% in 2009 after low precipitation in early growth. Half mulch had a similar grain yield to no mulch in the three cropping years, suggesting half mulch is not an effective pattern for maize cropping in the area. Mulch treatments increased aboveground nitrogen (N) uptake by 21−34% and phosphorus (P) uptake by 21−42% in 2008, and by 16−32% and 14−29%, respectively, in 2010; but in 2009 mulching did not affect N uptake and decreased P uptake. Soil microbial biomass and activities of urease, β-glucosidase and phosphatase at the 0−15 cm depth were generally higher during vegetative growth but lower during reproductive growth under mulch treatments than no mulch. Mulching treatments increased carbon (C) loss of buried maize residues (marginally by 5−9%), and decreased light soil organic C (15−27%) and carbohydrate C (12−23%) concentrations and mineralizable C and N (8−36%) at harvest in the 0−20 cm depth compared with no mulch, indicating that mulching promotes mineralization and nutrient release in soil during cropping seasons. As a result of these biological changes, mineral N concentration under mulch was markedly increased after sowing in upper soil layers compared with no mulch. Therefore, our results suggest that mulched cropping stimulated soil microbial activity and N availability, and thus contributed to increasing maize grain yield and nutrient uptake compared with no mulch.

The impacts of spring basal and side dressing on maize yield

The yield potential of maize is very high. According to Tollenaar (1983), maize yield potential is as high as 25 t ha-1 (absolute dry yield) which is the highest among all cereals. In order to fully utilise this high yield potential, proper nutrient replenishment is of chief importance among all agrotechnical factors.
 The aim of research was to examine the effect of nitrogen fertiliser applied as basal and side dressing on maize yield.
 The measurements were performed at the Látókép experiment site (47° 33’ N, 21° 26’ E, 111 m asl) of the Centre for Agricultural Sciences of the University of Debrecen on mid-heavy calcareous chernozem soil with deep humus layer in an established experiment in 2011, 2012 and 2013. The trial design was split-split-plot with two replications.
 Based on the experiment results, it can be established that the nutrient uptake of maize is greatly dependent on the amount of water store in the soil. From the aspect of the development of the maize plant and water supply, the most determinant factor was the distribution of precipitation over the growing season and not the amount precipitation. This is shown by the fact there was only 276 mm precipitation – which was favourably distributed – in 2012 to increase the availability of nutrients and the main average was the highest in this year (14.394 t ha-1).
 Spring basal dressing helped maize development in all three years even on chernozem soil which is well supplied with nutrients. Although the effect of side dressing did not result in any yield increase, it could still contribute to mitigating the stress effects caused by environmental factors. Altogether, nutrient supply adapted to the various development stages of maize can favourably affect the success of maize production.

Phosphate-solubilizing soil yeast Meyerozyma guilliermondii CC1 improves maize (Zea mays L.) productivity and minimizes requisite chemical fertilization

Phosphate-solubilizing yeasts have been under-exploited in eco-friendly maize cultivation. In this regard, soil yeasts Meyerozyma guilliermondii CC1, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa CC2 and M. caribbica CC3 were investigated for their plant growth-promoting (PGP) activities. Soil yeasts were isolated and characterized. Maize (Zea mays L. cv. Tainong No.1) and Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. cv. Pekinensis) were used for seed bioassay. Growth-promoting effects of yeasts under greenhouse conditions were evaluated using maize and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cvs. Capitata and Taiwan sword leaf). Ultimately, M. guilliermondii CC1 was tested on field-grown maize; treatments included full-dose chemical fertilizers (CF), yeast (CC1), half-dose chemical fertilizers (½CF), CC1 + ½CF and control. Nutrient uptake, growth, and yield of maize and rhizospheric soil microbes were estimated. Strain M. guilliermondii CC1 exhibited better seed vigor index in maize and Chinese cabbage. CC1 + ½CF significantly improved the dry-weights, and nutrient uptakes of maize and sword leaf lettuce under greenhouse conditions. In field, CC1 + ½CF application exerted a pronounced effect on growth of maize, cob yield, nutrient-uptake and rhizospheric soil microbial counts. Our results validated superior biochemical potency and PGP traits of M. guilliermondii CC1 that reduced requisite chemical fertilizer application without affecting the optimal productivity in maize.

Interfacing carbon nanotubes (CNT) with plants: enhancement of growth, water and ionic nutrient uptake in maize (Zea mays) and implications for nanoagriculture

The application of nano-biotechnology to crop-science/agriculture (‘nanoagriculture’) is a recent development. While carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been shown to dramatically improve germination of some comestible plants, deficiencies in consistency of behavior and reproducibility arise, partially from the variability of the CNTs used. In this work, factory-synthesized multi-walled-CNTs (MWCNTs) of quality-controlled specifications were seen to enhance the germinative growth of maize seedlings at low concentrations but depress it at higher concentrations. Growth enhancement principally arose through improved water delivery by the MWCNT. Polarized EDXRF spectrometry showed that MWCNTs affect mineral nutrient supply to the seedling through the action of the mutually opposing forces of inflow with water and retention in the medium by the ion-CNT transient-dipole interaction. The effect varied with ion type and MWCNT concentration. The differences of the Fe tissue concentrations when relatively high equimolar Fe2+ or Fe3+ was introduced, implied that the ion-CNT interaction might induce redox changes to the ion. The tissue Ca2+ concentration manifested as the antipode of the Fe2+ concentration indicating a possible cationic exchange in the cell wall matrix. SEM images showed that MWCNTs perforated the black-layer seed-coat that could explain the enhanced water delivery. The absence of perforations with the introduction of FeCl2/FeCl3 reinforces the idea of the modification of MWCNT functionality by the ion-CNT interaction. Overall, in normal media, low dose MWCNTs were seen to be beneficial, improving water absorption, plant biomass and the concentrations of the essential Ca, Fe nutrients, opening a potential for possible future commercial agricultural applications.

Potential of on-farm produced compost and organic amendments in soil fertility management for organic maize production in southwestern Nigeria

Soil fertility is central to organic crop production in the low activity soils of southwestern Nigeria. Studies on the use of organic amendments in the management of soil fertility and productivity have indicated the potential of organic practices in this region. In an experiment to study the effects of 5, 10 and 15 t ha−1 of composted pig manure on soil organic matter (SOM) and nutrient dynamics, compost was applied in 2005 and 2006 while land was left fallow in 2007. Parameters observed include aggregate stability, SOM fractions and N mineralization (laboratory and field incubation). Macroaggregate stability indices increased with compost rates. Distribution of SOM fractions, which accounted more for aggregate stability than total organic carbon with time, was better in compost-treated cultivated land compared to adjacent grassland. Nitrogen mineralization was highest with 10 t ha−1 of compost in both years. Soil chemical properties and nutrient uptake of maize after fallowing also showed that 10 t ha−1 of compost was most effective. Observations from another study involving green manure, compost, organo-mineral and mineral fertilizers have also demonstrated significant effects of organic amendments on soil fauna and other properties compared to mineral fertilizer even in the short run without yield compromise.

Effect of Biomethanated Distillery Spentwash on Quality and Nutrient parameters of Maize Grown on Entisol

A field Experiment was carried out during 2009 in the farmer’s field at Sathyamangalam, Erode with the objective to assess the effect of liquid distillery effluent as irrigation water on grain quality (reducing sugars, protein and starch) and nutrient uptake (N, P, K Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn) of maize. Treatments consisted of 50, 100 and 150 kilo l per ha of the biomethanated distillery spentwash along with recommended dose of fertilizers with and without potassium. Results of the field experiment revealed that the application of biomethanated distillery spentwash @ 100 kilo l per ha with recommended dose of NPK or NP (without K) significantly increased the grain protein content and nutrient uptake of maize over recommended dose of fertilizers.

Response of Maize (Zea maysL.) to Different Rates of Palm Bunch Ash Application in the Semi-deciduous Forest Agro-ecological Zone of Ghana

The effects of palm bunch ash (PBA) and mineral fertilizer application on grain yield and nutrient uptake in maize and soil chemical properties were studied in both the major and minor rainy seasons in the semi-deciduous forest agro-ecological zone of Ghana. In both the major and minor rainy seasons, the response of maize to four levels (0, 2, 4, and 6 tons per hectare) of palm bunch ash and 200 kg per hectare of NPK (15-15-15) application was evaluated using randomised complete block design. Results of the study showed that application of palm bunch ash significantly (P<0.05) increased soil pH, soil phosphorus, and exchangeable cations. Maize grain yield varied significantly (P<0.05) among the different treatments in both the major and minor rainy seasons. The highest maize grain yield of 4530 and 6120 kg ha-1was obtained at PBA application rate of 2 tonsha-1for the major and minor rainy seasons, respectively.

Effect of Nutriseed Pack Technique on Yield and Nutrient Uptake of Maize Under Surface Irrigation

Nutriseed pack technique is a way of deep placing fertilizer in the root zone simultaneously when sowing seed of crop. In order to evaluate the effect of different levels of nutrients viz., 75 per cent, 100 per cent and 125 per cent was provided through Nutriseed pack and in addition to nutrients furadan, neem cake also used to prepare Nutriseed pack. A field experiment was conducted with the test crop of hybrid maize COH(M)5 under surface irrigation. Nutriseed pack with furadan (with 100% NPK) recorded the highest N uptake of 65.4 and 55.1 kg ha -1 at harvest in stover and grain respectively. The Yield of COH(M)5 hybrid maize was higher with nutriseed pack placement. Nutriseed pack with furadan (with 100% NPK) recorded the highest grain yield of 5290 kg ha -1 which was 18.7 per cent higher than surface broadcast, and stover yield of 8500 kg ha -1 which was 17.7 per cent higher than surface broadcast.

Effect of B acillus sp. on growth and nutrient uptake of maize in semi-arid region of Turkey

Effect of B acillus sp. on growth and nutrient uptake of maize in semi-arid region of Turkey

Effect of Foliar-Applied Humic Acid to Dry Weight and Mineral Nutrient Uptake of Maize under Calcareous Soil Conditions

Greenhouse research was conducted to determine the effects of foliar application of humic acid on dry matter and some nutrient element uptake of maize grown under calcareous soil conditions. Agricultural lime was used to obtain five calcium carbonate (CaCO3) doses (0, 5, 10 20, and 40%) and three foliar application doses of humic acid (0, 0.1, and 0.2%) sprayed at 20 and 35 days after emergence. Although the dry weight and mineral element uptake of maize were affected negatively, especially at 20 and 40% of lime levels, foliar application of humic acid had a statistically significant positive effect on dry weight and copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) uptakes (P < 0.01) of maize plants. The greatest dry weight and Cu and sodium (Na) uptakes were obtained from the 0.01% humic acid treatment. The interaction of lime and humic acid was also statistically significant on dry weight, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), Cu, Zn, and Mn uptake (P < 0.01).