Effect of humic acid and micronutrients foliar fertilization on yield, yield components and nutrients uptake of maize in calcareous soils [electronic resource].

Includes references.

Two field trials were conducted in calcareous soils at Nubaria Agriculture Research Station in 2011 and 2012 summer seasons. The objectives of this investigation was aimed to study the response of maize plants to humic acid and micronutrient foliar fertilization. This study was implemented in newly reclaimed lands at Nubaria region representing calcareous soils under surface irrigation system. Treatments were two humic acid levels (0 and 1000 ppm) and five micronutrient elements (Fe, Zn, Mn and mixture of Fe+Zn+Mn and control). Experimental design was split-plot with four replications. Humic acid was randomly assigned to the main plots, while micronutrients were arranged at random in sub-plots. Results showed that humic acid application resulted in significant decrease in days to 50% tasseling and silking but did not affect plant height and ear height. Spraying of FZM significantly increased weight of 100-kernel and grain yield. Macro- and micro-nutrients concentration in maize leaves and grains and also grain nutrients uptake were affected significantly by spraying humic acid and/or micronutrients comparing with control treatments. Spraying FZM recorded the highest nutrients concentrations and uptake in leaves. Interaction effects between humic acid and MN indicated that treatments of humic acid and micronutrients were superior to excluding humic acid. Nearly all prominent increases were obtained when a mixture of micronutrients and humic acid was used followed by humic acid, Fe, and Zn in the both growing seasons.

Summary in Arabic.

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