Nutritional Requirements
The fertiliser requirements of maize depends on the soil fertility and yield target. Infertile soils require more fertiliser, as does a higher yield target. The two most important nutrients for maize are nitrogen and phosphorous, but maize also requires potassium and, on some soils, Zinc in small quantities. The first consideration for fertilising maize is manure, for it is an excellent source of nutrients and has many other benefits for soils. Bought inorganic fertilisers should be considered as a supplement to manure.
Nutrient management is one of the critical factors that can significantly affect maize yield and quality. Proper nutrient management not only ensures an adequate supply of essential nutrients but also improves soil health and reduces environmental pollution. The nutrient management practices for maize production can vary depending on soil fertility, climatic conditions, crop management practices, and other factors[1].
| Nutrient | Fertilizer Type | Function | Application Method | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen (N) | - Urea - Ammonium Nitrate - Ammonium Sulfate |
Promotes vegetative growth, chlorophyll production | - Split application - Broadcasting - Side-dressing |
- Multiple doses during growth |
| Phosphorus (P) | - Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) - Triple Superphosphate (TSP) |
Stimulates root development and plant energy transfer | - Banding near seed - Broadcasting |
- At planting |
| Potassium (K) | - Potassium Chloride (KCl) - Potassium Sulfate (K2SO4) |
Improves drought tolerance, water regulation, and yield | - Broadcasting - Side-dressing |
- Pre-plant - Early growth |
| Calcium (Ca) | - Calcium Nitrate - Gypsum |
Enhances cell wall strength, reduces soil acidity | - Soil incorporation - Foliar application |
- Pre-plant - Mid-season |
| Magnesium (Mg) | - Magnesium Sulfate - Dolomite Lime |
Supports chlorophyll production and enzyme activation | - Soil amendment - Foliar spraying |
- Pre-plant - As needed |
| Sulfur (S) | - Ammonium Sulfate - Elemental Sulfur |
Essential for protein synthesis and photosynthesis | - Broadcasting - Soil incorporation |
- Pre-plant |
| Zinc (Zn) | - Zinc Sulfate - Chelated Zinc |
Aids enzyme function, root growth, and grain formation | - Foliar application - Soil amendment |
- Early vegetative stage |
| Copper (Cu) | - Copper Sulfate | Assists in photosynthesis and respiration | - Foliar spraying | - Early growth |
| Iron (Fe) | - Iron Chelates | Promotes chlorophyll synthesis | - Foliar application | - As needed |
| Manganese (Mn) | - Manganese Sulfate | Supports enzyme activation and chloroplast formation | - Soil amendment - Foliar application |
- Vegetative stage |
| Boron (B) | - Boric Acid - Borax |
Improves pollen development and seed formation | - Foliar spraying - Soil application |
- Pre-flowering |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | - Sodium Molybdate | Essential for nitrogen fixation | - Foliar application | - Early vegetative stage |
References
- ^ Batool, M. (2024). Nutrient management of maize. In IntechOpen eBooks. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.112484
- Title
- Nutritional Requirements
- Description
- Essential nutrient requirements throughout the growth cycle, with specific recommendations for fertilization practices adapted to regional soil conditions and farming systems.
Part of Zea Mays
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