Corn Hybrid Yield Effects on Phosphorus, Manganese, and Zinc Absorption1

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Abstract
Researchers have concluded in several published papers that differences in nutrient absorption among crop cultivars are genetically controlled. However, growth rate and yield differences among cultivars were not usually evaluated. The present investigation involved three greenhouse experiments conducted to study relationships between yield levels and concentrations of P, Mn, and Zn in several corn hybrids (Zea mays L.) during early growth. Eight hybrids were grown with 0, 1, 2, and 4 ppm of Zn in factorial combination with 17 and 167 ppm of P; five hybrids with 0 and 3.4 ppm of Zn and 0, 233, 466, and 932 ppm of P; and three hybrids with 0, 11, 33, 90, 180, and 360 ppm of P. Other nutrients were applied uniformly. Top growth was harvested after 6 to 11 weeks, dried, and analyzed for total P, Mn, and Zn.Results from these experiments, together with published data, show that concentrations of P, Mn, and Zn among hybrids at each application rate decreased markedly with increasing yields. Higher yields resulting from more rapid growth following a 2‐week delay in planting one hybrid also greatly reduced P concentrations in the plants. Thus, nutrient concentrations and uptake in various corn hybrids, at least during early growth, need to be evaluated in terms of growth rates, total dry matter or final grain yields, and planting and maturity dates. Differences in nutrient absorption among corn hybrids appear to be greatly influenced through genetic effects on growth rates and yield potentials. Plots of yields vs. nutrient concentrations or uptake are useful to determine differences among hybrids at the same yield levels.

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