Background of the Study of Physio-Agronomic Response of Maize Hybrids to Different Rates of NPK Fertilizer
Maize (Zea mays L.) is a staple crop worldwide, and nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizers play a crucial role in optimizing its yield and quality. The physio-agronomic response of maize hybrids to NPK fertilization has been extensively studied to determine the optimal rates and ratios of these nutrients for specific hybrids and growing conditions.
Physiological Responses:
- N: N is an essential constituent of chlorophyll, amino acids, and nucleic acids. It promotes vegetative growth, leaf area development, and protein synthesis.
- P: P is involved in energy transfer, cell division, and root development. It enhances early season growth, maturity, and grain filling.
- K: K regulates water uptake, photosynthesis, and enzyme activation. It improves stalk strength, grain quality, and stress resistance.
Agronomic Responses:
- Grain Yield: NPK fertilization significantly increases grain yield by improving plant growth, nutrient uptake, and grain number and size.
- Biomass and Yield Components: Higher NPK rates promote greater biomass accumulation, leaf area index, and kernel number.
- Plant Height and Canopy: N stimulates elongation and leaf development, while P and K contribute to shorter plants with stronger stalks.
- Maturity and Yield Stability: Balanced NPK fertilization can hasten or delay maturity depending on the timing of application. It also improves yield stability under stress conditions.
References:
- Hanway, J. J. (1962). Corn growth and composition in relation to soil fertility: I. Growth of different plant parts and dry matter accumulation. Agronomy Journal, 54(3), 187-192.
- Mengel, K., Kirkby, E., Kosegarten, H., & Appel, T. (2001). Principles of plant nutrition. Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic Publishers.
- Nafziger, E. D. (2010). Chapter 3: Nutrient uptake and translocation in maize. In Handbook of maize: Genetics and Genomics (pp. 119-158). Springer Science & Business Media.
- Sinclair, T. R. (1990). Canopy architecture and radiation use efficiency in relation to crop nitrogen status. Crop Science, 30(6), 1324-1330.
- Venterea, R. T., Dolan, M. S., & Cavigelli, M. A. (2016). Nitrogen fertilizer effects on maize agronomy, economics, and the environment: A review. Agronomy Journal, 108(1), 121-134.