Response of Maize to Fertilization with Kcl on Gleysol of Sava Valley Area

Response of maize to fertilization with KCl on gleysol of Sava valley area

Kovačević V.1, Rastija M.1 Rastija D.1, Josipović M.2 and Šeput M.3

1University J. J. Strossmayer, Faculty of Agriculture, Trg Sv. Trojstva 3 HR-31000 Osijek,

Croatia; e-mail:;

2Agricultural Institute, Južno predgradje 17, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia

3Institute for Soil, Vinkovačka ul. 63c, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia

Abstract

Five maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids were grown for four growing seasons on gleysol characterized by moderate supply with potassium (K). Three rates of KCl were applied in four replicates at the beginning of April 2001 as follows (kg K2O/ha): 150 (control), 650 and 1400. The highest rate of KCl resulted in significant increases of yield of 14%, 24% and 12%, for 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively; while in the fourth year similar yields to the control were found. The OsSK552 and Bc5982 hybrids (4-year mean 8.70 t/ha) were more susceptible to soil stress in comparison with OsSK444 and OsSK458 (mean 9.07 t/ha). At the same time, Florencia hybrid yielded 9.37 t/ha. Four hybrids responded similarly to applied fertilization (yield increases from 13 to 16% in comparison to the control), while Florencia had low response to KCl (yield increase for 5% only). Under these conditions we recommend combined solution using 1000 kg K2O/ha every third year and a choice of tolerant hybrids.

Key words: potassium fertilization, maize hybrids, K-deficient soil, yield, stalk lodging

Introduction

Numerous field trials around the world have shown that, with fertilization according to crop requirement and site-specific conditions, substantial yield increases can be achieved. Balanced fertilization is important for crop yield, quality and stress resistance (Krauss, 2003). In many studies was emphasized wide spreading of negative potassium (K) balance in soils (Debreceni and Sardi 1999; Prokoshev 1999; Bujnovsky and Igras 2001; Turan and Sezen 2002). Low potassium (K) supplies and oversupplies of available magnesium have been found in some hydromorphic soils of the Eastern Croatia situating in area of Zupanja and Slav. Brod part of the Sava valley area. A tendency of maize to stalk lodging at maturity, especially during moist weather in the autumn, as well as typical symptoms of K deficiency (edge necrosis of leaves and growth retardation) could be found in this area. Also, in some examples these nutritional unbalances are combined with low phosphorus levels (Petošić et al. 2003). Based on our earlier investigations, by adequate K fertilization and by choice of resistant maize hybrids is possible to overcome problem of unbalanced K supplies (Kovačević and Vukadinović, 1992; Kovačević et al. 1990, 1996). In this study response of maize to fertilization with potassium chloride (KCl) on gleysol of Sava river valley was tested.

Materials and methods

The field experiment

Five maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids (OsSK444, OsSK458, OsSK552, Bc5982 and Florencia) were grown on Gundinci gleysol (Brod-Posavina County, Croatia) during four growing seasons (2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004). Four hybrids are of domestic origin and they have been developed in Osijek (Os) Agricultural Institute and Bc Institute for Plant Breeding in Zagreb, while Florencia is developed in USA (Pioneer Hi-bred International Inc.).

Two ameliorative rates of K as KCl were applied (500 and 1250 kg K2O/ha) on standard fertilization (kg/ha: 170 N + 100 P2O5 + 150 K2O) at the beginning of April 2001. Standard fertilization in level of control were applied for the complete experimental plot in the next three years of testing. For usual fertilization were used products of Petrokemija Fertilizers Factory Kutina, Croatia as follows: urea (46% N) and NPK 7:20:30 (incorporation in soil at early spring), as well as calcium ammonium nitrate (27% N) for top-dressing at early growth stage of maize. The field trial was carried out by split-plot method in four replicates. Experimental plots measured 165 m2 and 33 m2, for fertilization and hybrid, respectively.

Maize was sown by pneumatic sowing mashine at the end of April/beginning May on planned (theoretical) plant density (TPD) 58310/ha (distance of plants in row = 245 mm; interrow spacing 700 mm). Maize was harvested manualy at the beginning of October. Grain yields were calculated on 90% TPD and 14% grain moisture basis (with exception for 2003: 70% TPD). Share of SL at maturity stage was determined on level fertilization and hybrid only by addition of plants number from four replicates.

Statistical analyses

Statistical calculations of the data were made according the model of three-factorial trial (A = year, B = fertilization, C = hybrid) according Mead et al. (1996).

Soil characteristics

Three mean soil samples were taken by auger (0-30 cm depth) at end of March 2001 before fertilization. Nutritional status of soil was made by extractions with AL-solution (Egner et al. 1960) and with ammonium-acetate + EDTA (pH 4.65) according Lakanen and Ervio (1971). Soil reaction and organic matter were determined according to ISO (1994, 1998). Moderate supply of plant available K and its unbalance with available Mg are the main characteristics of the experimental plot (Table 1). In a circle of about 5 km distance from this plot we tested response of maize to fertilization with KCl. Under these conditions were found also low K and oversupplies of Mg as well as manifestation K-deficiency symptoms in maize (Kovačević and Vukadinović, 1992). Also, strong K-fixation was found and it is elaborated in our earlier studies ( Vukadinovic et al. 1988, Richter et al. 1990).

Table 1. Chemical properties of the experimental soil

Soil properties (means of three samples: sampling at end of March 2001; 0-300 mm depth)
Concentrations (mg/kg) in 0-300 mm soil depth
pH / % / AL-method / Lakanen-Ervio (1971) method
H2O / KCl / Humus / P2O5 / K2O / P / K / Ca / Mg
6.72 / 6.15 / 2.64 / 199.0 / 92.7 / 128 / 122 / 4770 / 768

Weather conditions

In general, under our environmental conditions, low yields of maize are related to shortage of precipitation and the high air-temperatures during July and August (Josipović et al. 2005), as in the Corn Belt of the United States (Shaw, 1988). Data of Osijek Weather Bureau (approx. air-distanced 45 km from Gundinci in north direction) were used for weather characteristics of the individual growing season (Table 2). Excess of precipitation in June and September, their shortage in July and August, as well as high air-temperatures in August, are the main characteristics of weather during growing season in 2001. Precipitation (164 mm in July and August) and temperature regimes during the growing season 2002 were favourable for maize growing. However, in both tested growing seasons, precipitation in Osijek was higher than the 30-year mean.

Droug is the main characteristic of the 2003 growing season. Precipitation for the six month period (Jan.-June) was only 156 mm or 50% of the long-term value. Under these conditions there were serious problems with emergence of maize crops. Especially unfavourable water and temperature regimesoccurred in August. Precipitation distribution and temperature regime in the 2004 growing season were in range of usual values (Table 2).

Table 2. Weather data for Osijek

Precipitation (mm) and mean air-temp. (oC)* - Osijek Weather Bureau / May-Sept.
Year / Jan-April / May / June / July / August / Sept. / Total / Mean
2001 / mm
oC / 248
6.9 / 60
18.4 / 239
18.1 / 77
21.6 / 7
22.7 / 195
14.9 / 578 / 20.5
2002 / mm
oC / 122
6.3 / 156
19.1 / 48
22.1 / 85
23.0 / 79
20.9 / 75
16.0 / 443 / 20.2
2003 / mm
oC / 88
3.0 / 43
20.5 / 25
24.7 / 70
22.9 / 23
24.6 / 49
16.7 / 210 / 21.9
2004 / mm
oC / 217
4.6 / 63
15.4 / 88
19.8 / 58
22.5 / 105
21.4 / 45
15.8 / 359 / 19.0
Long-term
1971-2000 / 168
4.9 / 59
16.7 / 82
19.6 / 66
21.3 / 62
20.8 / 51
16.5 / 320 / 19.0

* means od daily values (mean of sum of air-temp. in 7:00, 13:00 and 2 x 21.00)

Results and discussion

In our study considerable influences of year (weather characteristics during individual growing season), applied fertilization and hybrid on maize yields were found (Fig. 1, Tab. 3).

As affected by drought and high air-temperatures yields of maize in 2003 were from 48 to 53% lower in comparison with remaining three years. Mean maize yields in the first two years were similar, while in the fourth year they were for 12% and 7% lower, in comparison with 2001 and 2002, respectively.

In general, by application of two rates of KCl fertilization maize yields were increased for 10% and 13%, for 650 and 1400 kg K2O/ha, respectively. Yields of individual hybrids were in the range from 8.69 and 9.37 t/ha. The OsSK552 and Bc5982 hybrids (mean yield 8.70 t/ha) could be attrubuted as more susceptible to soil stress caused with moderate K supplies. In that respect, the OsSK444 and OsSK458 (mean 9.07 t/ha) in that respect are moderate tolerant. However, Florencia hybrid is more suitable for this soil (mean yield 9.37 t/ha) in comparison with remaining four hybrids. (Fig. 1).

Influences of fertilization and hybrids on maize yields are also under considerable environmental influences (AB and AC interactions), because specific response were found in individual years (Table 3). For example, fertilization with KCl in spring 2001 resulted in significant increases of maize yields of 14%, 24% and 12%, for 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively (AB interaction). However, in 2004 yield differences among fertilization treatments were in range of statistical error (Table 3). Response of individual hybrids to KCl fertilization (BC interaction) was similar for four hybrids (yield increases from 13 to 16% in comparison to the control, while Florencia hybrid had low response to KCl (yield increase for 5% only). Response of the maize hybrids in individual years (AC interaction) was specific (Table 3). For example, in 2001 OsSK458 yielded more (11.34 t/ha) than OsSK552 (10,55 t/ha) and Bc5982 (10.66 t/ha). In 2002 OsSK552 yielded more than OsSK444 (10.84 and 9.74 t/ha, respectively). Under drought stress of 2003 significant yield differences were found among five tested hybrids with ranging from the highest to the lowest yield as follows: Florencia, OsSK458, OsSK444, OsSK552 and Bc5982. In 2004 OsSK552 had lower yield than remaining four hybrids, Bc5982 had lower yield than OsSK444 and Florencia, while OsSK458 and Bc5982 yielded similarly (Tab. 3).

Table 3. Influences of year, KCl fertilization (spring 2001) and hybrid on maize yields

Interactions between years (A), fertilization (kg K2O/ha: B) and hybrids (C)
AxC and BxC interactions / AxB interaction
Year / K2O / Maize hybrid (factor C) * / Year / kg K2O/ha (B)**
(A) / (B) / H1 / H2 / H3 / H4 / H5 / (A) / 150 / 650 / 1400
Maize yield (t/ha) / Maize yield (t/ha)
2001
2002
2003
2004 / 11.02
9.74
5.06
10.07 / 11.34
10.18
5.51
9.65 / 10.55
10.84
4.53
8.85 / 10.66
10.44
4.12
9.53 / 10.88
10.52
6.00
10.08 / 2001
2002
2003
2004 / 10.09
9.13
4.72
9.49 / 11.04
10.63
5.28
9.64 / 11.54
11.28
5.10
9.77
150
650
1400 / 8.33
8.89
9.68 / 8.38
9.40
9.72 / 7.98
9.12
8.99 / 8.01
8.87
9.20 / 9.09
9.47
9.54
Statistical analysis (analyse of variance – LSD values in levels 5% and 1% of significance)
AC 5% =0.68
AC 1% =0.96 / BC 5% =0.57
BC 1% = n.s. / AB 5% =0.49
AB 1% =0.67

* factor C: H1=OsSK444, H2=OsSK458, H3=OsSK552, H4=Bc5982, H5=Florencia

** in spring 2001 only

In the period 1986-1995, a network of eight field experiments was used to obtain response of maize to KCl fertilization in Sava valley area. In general, considerable influences of KCl fertilization on maize yield were found as follows: yield increases for 52% (Bertić et al. 1989), threefold (Kovačević et al. 1990), 120% (Katušić 1992) and fourfold (Kovačević and Vukadinović, 1992), 87% (Kovačević et al. 1997) and up to 50% (Šimić et al. 2003).Problems with K nutrition were found also on chernozem loamy calcareous soils in Hungary (Kadar et al. 1991, 1997).

Realized plant density (RPD) in these four years of testing was satisfactory with the exception of the growing season 2003 (Fig. 2). Drought stress was main reason for plant number reductions near 30% under field conditions of 2003.

Adequate K nutrition is important factor of maize resistance to diseases, including diseases causing stalk lodging (SL) at maturity stage. Many experiments have demonstrated that SL of maize is considerably influenced by fertilizers and that it can be attributed to K deficiency. N and P fertilization may increase SL, especially when the rates of application of these nutrients is increased, and the K level ramains low. Rot of stalk and root is also in close connection to SL and the effect of fertilizers, especially K, on maize rot has been subject of many investigations (Arnon, 1975). Heredity and KCl fertilization both were considerable factors of SL frequencies (Fig. 2). For example, SL was decreased as affected by KCl fertilization from 15.5 % (the control) to 6.6 % (1400 kg K2O/ha). Our findings are in accordance with the literature (Burkersroda, 1965; Liebhardt and Murdock, 1965; Cunard 1967). Differences of SL among tested hybrids were in the range from 2.6 % to 16.5 %. OsSK444 and Florencia are tolerant to SL (mean 3.3 %) in comparison with OsSK458 and OsSK552 (mean 16.1 %).

Figure 1. Influences of the year (A), fertilization (B) and hybrid (C:) on the grain yield of maize (LSD values 5% and 1%: 0,30 and 0,39, 0,23 and 0,30, 0,31 and 0,40, for the A, B, and C, respectively).

Figure 2. Influences of the year, fertilization and hybrid on the RPD (realized plant density in the percent of planned density: 100%=58310 plants/ha) and SL (stalk lodging at maize maturity stage: % of total).

Adequate K fertilization is considerable factor in alleviating detrimental effects of abiotic stresses (for example, drought, low temperature stress, salt stress etc.) in plants (Cakmak, 2003). However, weather conditions for individual growing season was the most influencing factor of SL frequencies because it was depending on year in the range from 0 to 26.5% (Fig. 2). In general, excessive precipitation, especially in the second part of the maize growing season is in close connection with tendency of maize to SL, while under dry condition of 2003 SL did not occur.

Based on our study and earlier investigations, for these soils we recommend KCl fertilization with 1000 kg K2O/ha every third year in addition to usual fertilization practice, as well as growing more tolerant genotypes.

Acknowledgements: These investigations were suported by The Ministry of Science and Technology in Zagreb (the project 0079017), Petrokemija Fertilizer Factory Kutina, Croatia and K+S KALI GmbH Kassel, Germany.

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