Corn Growth Stages and Nutrient Distribution (N, P, K) in Various Plant Parts

In order to increase crop production and its profits per unit area and to control bioenvironment and water resources pollutions, producers and farmers need to have information about nutrients accumulation in various plant parts at different growth stages. Proper fertilizer application time is one of the effective factors in increasing fertilizer use efficiency. Meanwhile, determination of mineral nurients distribution at various growth stages is very usefull for use management and proper time of fertilizer application. Therefore this experiment was conducted to evaluate nutrient distribution (N, P, K) and proper time and best management of fertilizer using in corn (Zea Mays L.) growth stages and in various plant parts. This study was conducted in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers were applied at planting time according to soil test (180 kg ha-1 triple super phosphate and 160 kg ha-1 potassium sulfate respectively). Nitrogen fertilizer (400 kg ha-1 urea) was applied at planting time and as split at various growth stages (V4 and V7). Plant sampling was performed randomly at different growth stages (3, 5, 7 and 10 leaves, tasselling, silking and maturity stages: V3, V5, V7, V10, VT, R1, and R6). Fresh weight, dry matter and N, P, K accumulation rate of plant parts (leaves, stems, flowers, ear and seeds) were determined. According to the results of experiment, as the growing seasons progressed, plant dry weight significantly increased. Maximum amount of N, P, K uptake occured at early growth stages and mostly at 10 leaves stage. At maturity stage, the accumulation of N and P in shoots and leaves decreased while the K accumulation in the shoots increased. The main parts of N and P accumulated in seeds while K accumulated in shoots. Key words: Growth stages, Plant Parts, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Corn