FOLIAR SPRAY SURPASSES SOIL APPLICATION OF POTASSIUM FOR MAIZE PRODUCTION UNDER RAINFED CONDITIONS

Abstract

This field experiment was performed to evaluate the efficiency of potassium (K) foliar spray against soil application on hybrid maize. Treatments were: control, soil applied 75 kg K2O ha-1 , foliar spray 1% K2O, foliar spray 2% K2O, foliar spray 3% K2O, fertigation 75 kg K2O ha-1 , and split application in soil 75 kg K2O ha-1 . Potassium foliar sprays increased yield and its components as well as grain quality attributes greater than that with soil application, splitting or fertigation. The highest biological and grain yield were 15.0 and 8.08 t ha-1 , respectively under foliar treatment of 3% K2O, followed by 2% K2O foliar spray. Greater net benefit and benefit cost ratio were with foliar application. Foliar spray of potassium 3% concentration was more efficient for increasing growth and yield of maize crop as compared to soil application and fertilization of potassium fertilizer.

Keywords

• Crop growth rate,economic returns,fertigation,leaf area index,net assimilation rate,Zea mays L.

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