Effect of organic fertilizer foliar application on grain yield, nutrient content, and water productivity of maize (Zea mays L.) under drought stress conditions

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Associated Prof. Department of Range and Watershed Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Fasa University, Fasa, Iran

2 Innovation Center of Zarnam Educators Research Industrial Group, Alborz Province, Hashtgerd City Iran

Abstract

A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of foliar application of Zargreen organic liquid fertilizer on the growth, chemical composition, and water productivity of corn (cv. Single cross(under drought stress from November to March 2021. Treatments consisted of four levels of foliar application of Zargreen amino-acid-fertilizer (0, 2.5 per 1000, 5 per 1000, and 7.5 per 1000), and three levels of drought stress (100%, 75%, and 50% of the field capacity). During the growing season, in 1.5, 3, and 4 months after planting, the fertilizer solution was used for foliar spraying.

The highest greenness index (SPAD value) and fresh weight of cob was obtained with foliar application of 5 per 1000 Zargeen fertilizer under the highest drought stress conditions. The lowest number of leaves, fresh weight, and height of plant were observed at the highest level of drought stress, which was improved by foliar application of the organic fertilizer. With increase drought stress, the shoot concentration of copper, manganese, and zinc increased due to decrease in plant dry weight under drought conditions. The highest water productivity was obtained with the foliar application of fertilizer at the rate of 5 per 1000 under the highest drought stress. The most positive correlation between the studied properties was obtained with foliar application of 5 per 1000 of the organic fertilizer. Foliar application of organic fertilizer has increased the plant-dry-weight and reduced water consumption, consequently improved the water productivity through helping plant to save more water and supplying essential nutrients to plant.

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Iranian Journal of Soil and Water Research

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 22 December 2024

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