Effect of Phosphorus Application Methods on Growth and Yield of Maize under Water Deficit Conditions

Abstract

A field study was conducted to investigate effect of phosphorus and different levels of irrigation on growth and yield of maize at the Agronomic Research Area, Faculty of Agricultural sciences and Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, during autumn 2016.The Experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with split plot courses of action having three replications with net plot size of 4m x 3m. The crop was sown in 75 cm spaced rows, while plant to plant distance was maintained at 30 cm with the help of dibbler. Experimental treatments comprised of two irrigation level sand four phosphorus levels. The crop was harvested at maturity and the data were recorded by using the standard procedures. Maximum grain yield was obtained at full irrigation levels where phosphorus was applied @ 100 kg ha^-1. All the growth and yield parameter increased with full irrigation levels with application of Phosphorus at the rate of 100 kg ha^-1 while it was decreased where half irrigation was applied. Increase in P2O5 rates upto100 kg ha^-1 enhanced the plant height, cob length, cob weight, thousands grain weight, Beyond application of 100 kg P2O5 ha^-1 there was no significant increase in number of grains cob-1, thousand grain weight and other growth parameters. It is recommended that maize crop should preferably be fertilized @ 100 kg Phosphorus per hectare to get maximum grain yield under the ecological conditions of Multan.