Studies on impact of phosphoenriched compost, chemical fertilizer and method of zinc application on yield, uptake and quality of maize {Zea mays)

摘要

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2012 and 2013 at New Delhi to examine the effect of phosphorus (P) sources and zinc (Zn) application on yield, uptake and quality of maize (Zea mays L). Application of P_(50)-phosphoenriched compost (PEC) + P_(50)-fertilizer (F) recorded higher yield attributes, grain yield (4.3 t/ha) and protein (9.2%) with amino acids content in grain. The P_(50)- PEC + P_(50)- F recorded higher P, Zn and Fe uptake in grain, stover and total (grain + stover) than the control. The application of 12.5 kg/ha of ZnS0_4+ 1 foliar spray of ZnS0_4 @ 0.5% recorded the highest values of yield attributes and grain yield (4.2 t/ha) of maize. The P and Zn uptake in grain and stover were found highest in soil + foliar-applied plots. The higher Fe uptake in grain was found with 2 foliar sprays of Zn. The higher crude protein (9%) and amino acids were found in 25 kg/ha of ZnS0_4 and it was on a par with soil + foliar application of Zn. Overall, combined application of PEC and chemical fertilizer with soil + foliar application of Zn proved promising in for higher yield with increased tissue uptake of nutrients and for higher protein and amino acids content in grain.