Absorption of Some Nutrient as Affected by Mycorrhizae, Different Levels of Zinc and Drought Stress in Maize

Abstract In order to investigate absorption of some nutrient as affected by mycorrhizae, different levels of zinc and drought stress in maize (KSC 704), an experiment was carried out in research farm of Islamic Azad University–Arak in 2006-2007. The Experiment was conducted in factorial arrangement based on randomized complete block design with three replications. Treatments consist of irrigation levels: I1= %100, I2= %75 and I3= %50 crop water requirement, mycorrhiza fungus (Glumus intraradices) at two levels (inoculation and non inoculation) and zinc sulfate at three levels: 0, 25 and 45 kg ha-1. Results showed that drought stress increased absorption of nitrogen, potassium and protein percentage, but reduced absorption of phosphorous. Inoculation with mycorrhizae increased absorption of nutrients. Using of zinc sulfate increased absorption of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorous and protein percentage. Inoculation of mycorrhiza under drought stress had not significant effect on absorption of nutrients and protein percentage of grain. Using of zinc sulfate under drought stress increased absorption of nitrogen, potassium and protein percentage of grain but reduced absorption of phosphorous. interactions effects of mycorrhizae and zinc sulfate increased absorption of nutritional elements. The highest amounts of nitrogen and potassium absorption and protein percentage of grain were observed in combination of irrigation equal to 50% of crop water demand, mycorrhiza + 25 kg ha-1 zinc sulfate. The highest grain yield was observed from combination of optimum irrigation, without mycorrhiza + 45 kg ha-1 zinc sulfate. It was concluded that with irrigation equal to 75% water requirement + inoculation with mycorrhiza + 45kg ha-1 zinc sulfate optimum crop yield could be obtained. Keywords: Drought stress, Mycorrhiza, Nutrition of elements, Protein, Maize