Effect of P and Zn fertilization on biomass yield and its uptake by maize lines (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

Three maize inbred lines (Os86-39, Os89-35 and Os87-24) were grown in pots with Eutric Cambisol using 9 fertilisation variants (control 10 kg/ha Zn – on soil surface; 5 kg/ha – foliar application; 61 kg/ha P; 61 kg/ha P and 10 kg/ha Zn – on soil surface; 61 kg/ha P and 5 kg/ha Zn – foliar application; 183 kg/ha P; 183 kg/ha P and 10 kg/ha Zn – on soil surface; 183 kg/ha P and 5 kg/ha Zn – foliar application). The effects of phosphorus and zinc fertilisation on the dry matter yield, plant height, stalk diameter as well as phosphorus and zinc concentrations in ear-leaves were investigated. Significant differences were found between the lines in all parameters investigated except for phosphorus concentration. Line Os87-24 was characterised by the best results in the total biomass production. Zinc fertilisation decreased while phosphorus fertilisation increased total plant dry matter mass. Phosphorus fertilisation increased its concentration in the ear-leaves. Zinc fertilisation, especially foliar, resulted in Zn concentration increase in the ear-leaf of the lines investigated.