Abstract:
A pot experiment in wire
house was conducted to investigate the
effect of potassium fertilization on
physiology, growth and nutrient uptake of
maize. Surface soil samples were collected
and analyzed for soil physico-chemical
properties and NPK contents. Pots were
saturated with water and filled with soil (5
kg soil/pot). Potassium fertilizer was applied
in five different treatments as T1, T2, T3,
T4 and T5 with 0, 70, 100, 130, and 160 kg
ha-1, respectively. Nitrogen and phosphorus
were applied @ 250 and 100 kg ha-1
(recommended), respectively, in all the pots,
including control. Experiment was planned
in completely randomized design (CRD),
with three repeats. Plant growth, nutrient
uptake and concentration in roots and
shoots, net photosynthesis, rate of
transpiration, stomatal conductance and
substomatal CO2 concentration were
significantly improved with increasing K
application rate. It also increased water use
efficiency (WUE) and decreased root: shoot
dry weight ratio of maize. Treatment T3
resulted in maximum growth, physiological
characteristics and nutrient uptake. It was
concluded that K fertilization improves
physiological characteristics resulting in
enhanced WUE and nutrient uptake
eventually producing more yield. It is
recommended to apply K fertilization in
drought stress conditions.
