Improving drought tolerance in maize (Zea mays) with potassium application in furrow irrigation systems
2013
Maqsood, M. (University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (Pakistan). Dept. of Agronomy) | Shehzad, M.A. (University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (Pakistan). Dept. of Agronomy) | Wahid, A. (University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (Pakistan). Dept. of Botany) | Butt, A.A.
Crop management techniques are useful tools to enhance the drought tolerance and crop yield when moisture supply is limited. A field study was conducted to predict the effects of potassium (K) doses (0, 90, 120, 150 kg/ha) on drought resistance and growth of maize under different furrow irrigation systems. Irrigation in alternate-furrow irrigation (AFI), fixed-furrow irrigation (FFI) and conventional-furrow irrigation (CFI) significantly improved the growth attributes such as leaf area index, leaf area duration, crop growth rate and total dry matter. These attributes improved more by adopting fixed furrow method under limited water supply. Interactive effects of irrigation methods and K on all growth and yield components were significant except number of grain rows per cob. Maximum grain and biological yields (4.94 and 11.15 t/ha, respectively) were achieved with FFI-120 kg/ha K treatment in contrast to K-application along with other irrigation methods (AFI and CFI). The highest plant population (62), plant height (216 cm), cob length (19 cm), grains per grain row (37) and 100-grain weight (62 g) were achieved with the application of K at 120 kg/ha in FFI system. Higher leaf water potential (-0.26 MPa), turgor potential (1.41 MPa) and lower osmotic potential (-1.67 MPa) were attained in K fertilized plants compared to non-fertilized plants in FFI. In conclusion, adequate K nutrition proved to be promising in improving drought resistance and higher growth and yields in maize under FFI system.
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