Evaluation of application methods of micronutrients (foliar spray, seed coating and seed soaking)‎ on maize with or without compost

Abstract EN

Two field experiments were conducted on maize (Zea mays L.

c.v Trible hybrid ٣١٠) grown on a newly reclaimed saline clay soil in private farm, Khaled Iben El-Walied, Sahl El-Hussinia, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt, (٣٢°٠٠/٠٠// to ٣٢° ١٥/٠٠// N Latitude and ٣٠° ٥٠/٠٠// to ٣١° ١٥/٠٠// E Longitude) in seasons ٢٠١٤ and ٢٠١٥.

Three micronutrient application methods i.e., foliar spray, seed coating and seed soaking) were evaluated.

The nutrients were Fe, Mn and Zn mixed in one solution.

Rates of the mixture application were ٥.٠, ١٠.٠ and ١٥.٠ kg ha-١, respectively.

Nutrients application was done solely or in combination with compost, ٢٤ Mg ha-١.

Available N, P, K, Fe, Mn and Zn at harvest were increased due to the above mentioned treatments, salinity and pH were decreased.

Micronutrients in combination with compost increased N, P, K, Fe, Mn and Zn uptake by grains.

The highest positive response of yield and nutrients uptake by grains was by application of compost in combination with foliar spray of micronutrients followed by seed coating with micronutrients + compost.

Highest N contents and protein yield ٦٧٤ kg ha-١ was obtained by foliar spray with ١٥ kg nutrient mix ha-١+ compost.