Effect of split application of potash fertilizer on maize and sorghum in Pakistan

• Published in: Pakistan journal of agricultural research Vol. 24; no. 1-4; pp. 31 - 34
• Main Authors: Saleem, A. (National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad (Pakistan). Crop Sciences Inst.), Javed, H.I. (National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad (Pakistan). Crop Sciences Inst.), Saleem, R. (National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad (Pakistan). Crop Sciences Inst.), Ansar, M. (PMAS Arid Agriculture Univ., Rawalpindi (Pakistan)), Zia, M.A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Islamabad Knowledge Bylanes 31.12.2011; AsiaNet Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd
• Subjects: APPLICATION RATES; Corn; CROP YIELD; Fertilizers; GROWTH; HEIGHT; HYBRIDS; MATURATION; PAKISTAN; POTASH FERTILIZERS; SORGHUM BICOLOR; SPLIT DRESSINGS; YIELD COMPONENTS; ZEA MAYS; Pakistan
• ISSN: 0251-0480; 2227-8311

The study was conducted in National Agricultural Research Centre, lslamabad during autumn 2007. In this study Maize hybrid (Pioneer 3062) and sorghum hybrid (Pioneer MR-Buster) were planted in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications having a plot size of 5m x 3m. Plant to plant distance was 25 cm and row to row was 75 cm. A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of split doses of potash fertilizer on maize and sorghum. Potash fertilizer was applied @ 0, 60 and 120 kg per ha, K2O as single, two split and three split doses at planting, after one month and after two months of planting. The experiment consisted of seven levels (0, 60, 30 + 30, 20 + 20 + 20, 120, 60 + 60 and 40 + 40 + 40 kg per ha). Grain yield in maize and sorghum showed positive relationship with increase in potash levels and increase in its number of split applications. The highest maize grain yield of 8014 kg per ha was observed in plots where 120 kg per ha of Potash was used in three splits. While minimum grain yield was recorded in control. In sorghum, maximum grain yield (4356 kg per ha) and stalk yield (13422 kg per ha) was recorded with the application of 120 kg per ha of Potash with three splits. All the parameters except plant height had significant effect in both maize and sorghum. Days to 50% silk in maize are significantly affected by potash when compared with control treatment, but there was no significant effect between single, two and three splits. The grain yields of these two crops increased significantly at K2O level of 120 kg per ha with three splits. Level of 120 kg per ha with three splits is recommended for potash application in maize and sorghum.