Effect of potash application on growth, yield and yield components of spring maize hybrids

摘要

Productivity of spring maize hybrids was compared under different levels of potash at Agronomy Research Farm, The University of Agriculture KPK Peshawar during spring, 2014. The experiment was carried out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. Four levels of K2O @ 0, 60, 90 and 120 kg ha-1, and four spring maize hybrids viz., 30K08, 2031, CS200 and 3025 were studied. The texture of the experimental area soil was silty clay loam with alkaline nature (pH 7.5-7.8). The soil was deficient in total N (≤ 0.53g kg-1 soil) and K (≤ 92 mg kg-1) soil. A uniform dose of 150 kg N ha-1 and 90 kg P ha-1 in the form of urea and DAP was applied. Nitrogen was applied in two equal splits i.e. 50% at sowing and 50% at 2nd irrigation. Sulphate of potash was used as a source of potash. All K and P dose was applied at sowing time. Results exhibited that there was a considerable effect of K2O levels on plant height, leaf area and yield and yield components except number of ears plant-1 and plants at harvest. Applying K2O at the level of 90 kg ha-1 boosted yield and yield components yet increasing level of K2O above 90 90 kg ha-1 had no profound effect. Among the hybrids, CS200 performed better by producing more grain and biological yield. Hence for obtaining higher grain yield, Hybrid-CS200 with application of K2O at the rate of @ 90 kg ha-1 is recommended.