Effects of zinc on the growth and yield of maize (Zea mays l.) cultivated in a tropical acid soil using different application techniques

Abstract

In Malaysia, the application of micronutrients fertiliser is not a standard practise although several previous studies have indicated that the procedure contributes to a major impact on plant growth and development. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of the concentration and application of zinc (Zn) on maize growth and yield. There were nine treatments including; no fertiliser applied as control (T0), NPK 16:16:16 only (T1), NPK + 5kg/ha Zn (T2), NPK + 10kg/ha Zn (T3), NPK + 15kg/ha Zn (T4), NPK + foliar Zn (T5), NPK + 5kg/ha Zn + foliar Zn (T6), NPK + 10kg/ha Zn + foliar Zn (T7), NPK + 15kg/ha Zn + foliar Zn (T8). Plant height was recorded during 30, 45 and 60 days of plant ages. Maize ear length, diameter and numbers of kernel's row were recorded on harvesting day (100 days). The findings suggest a significant difference in maize ear length, diameter and kernel row at p<0.05 for most treatment groups compared with control A and B. Ear length and diameter increased up to 20% with Zn application while kernel rows improved by 12% on the highest. The foliar application results showed significant increase of 0.6 cm diameter and 2.4 cm length of maize ear. However, there were no significant differences among treatments on plant height. Foliar and combination technique of Zn application also showed indecisive result on maize ear kernel's row. Application of Zn shows increased diameter, length and kernel row of maize ear though plant height is unaffected. The combination of the application techniques obtained the optimum yield of maize.