Nutrition of Corn on a Calcareous Soil: II. Effect of Zinc on the Yields of Grain and Stover in Relation to Other Micronutrients

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The effect of row‐applied Zn, B, Fe, Mn, and Cu on grain and stover yields and on the sixth leaf composition of corn grown on a calcareous soil was studied using a central composite factorial. Grain yield was decreased by application of the micronutrients studied. The yield of stover, however, was considerably enhanced at all levels of applied Zn indicating that response to Zn was directly opposite between vegetative and storage parts of the plant. Concentration of Zn in the sixth corn leaf ranged from 20 to 145 ppm. Grain yield was relatively high at 20 ppm. while yield of stover was highest at the 145 ppm. Zn content. A highly significant positive interaction between Zn and Mn on grain yield indicated that increasing either element decreased the toxic effect of the other. However, the Zn‐Mn interaction was negative for yield of stover, and increasing Mn tended to decrease yield at the higher levels of applied Zn. A possible interference of Zn with the translocation of carbohydrates to the storage organs was postulated. The optimum Zn level in the leaves for grain production was affected to the greatest extent by the level of Mn, low Mn in the leaves resulting in a low Zn requirement while higher concentrations of Mn in the leaves resulted in a high Zn requirement for both grain and stover.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: