Effect of foliar nutrition with phosphorous and potassium on vegetative growthcharacteristics of maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

Factorial field experiment was carried out during 2015 autumn season in a private farm located in Al-Hashemia (20 km south of Hilla city), to study the effect of phosphorus and potassium foliar fertilizer on vegetative growthCharacteristics of maize. Randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications was used, which included four concentrations of potassium (K2O), control K0( spray only distilled water), K1, K2, and K3 (1000, 2000 and 3000 mg.l-1 respectively, and four concentrations of phosphorus (P2O5), control P0 (spray only distilled water), P1, P2 and P3 (1000, 2000 and 3000 mg.l-1 respectively. Maize seed (Buhooth 106) were seeded on ridges in 15/7/2015. Data were analyzed and the averages were compared according to less significant difference(LSD). The results showed that K2 (2000 mgK205.l-1) caused significant increasing in most vegetative growth traits ( plant height, ear height, leaf area, leaf area index). Spraying phosphorus concentration at 2000 mg P2O5.l-1 (P3) was superior by giving highest rate for most vegetative growth traits(plant height, ear height, leaf area, leaf area index). The interaction between the factors had a significant effect on plant height only.