Leaf relative chlorophyll content as an indicator parameter to predict nitrogen fertilization in maize

Abstract

The development of a portable chlorophyll meter (SPAD 502), that takes instantaneous measurements of greenness without leaf destruction, has emerged as a new tool to assess plant N status. This trial was carried out to determine the adequate SPAD readings to predict maize nitrogen needs in four growth stages. The experiment was conducted in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil, during the 1998/99 growing season. Treatments were two maize hybrids (Pioneer 32R21 and Cargill 901) and nine side-dressed nitrogen levels (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600kg ha-1). Nitrogen was side-dressed at the soil surface in four equal doses, according to the levels established on each treatment. The first, second, third and fourth applications were made in the stages of three to four, six to seven, 10 to 11 and 14 to 15 fully expanded leaves, respectively. Urea was used as the N source. Since there was no difference in the SPAD readings among maize hybrids, average values at each stage were used. Readings were carried out in the stages of three to four, six to seven, 10 to 11 fully expanded leaves and at silking. Chlorophyll evaluation samples were taken at two-thirds of the distance from the leaf tip towards the stem. The two upper leaves were sampled on each growth stage before maize flowering. The index leaf (first leaf below the ear) was evaluated during silking. Chlorophyll meter readings above 45.4, 52.1, 55.3, and 58.0 represented the adequate values for the stages of three to four, six to seven, 10 to 11 expanded leaves and at silking, respectively, to achieve high grain yield. The variation in SPAD readings were highest in the early stages of plant growth.