Influence of Silicon and Phosphorus on Growth, Yield and Nutrient Uptake by Maize (Zea Mays L.) in Typic Ustochrepts Soils

Abstract

Aapplication of Si @ 300 mg Si kg soil along with P @ 40 mg P kg soil recorded significantly highest green and dry shoot yield (93.03 g pot-1, 52.25 g pot-1, respectively) of maize in loamy sandy and silty loam soils, whereas, the highest root yield (13.39 g pot-1) was also recoded under the same treatment in silty loam soil. The highest chlorophyll content in maize leaf (22.05 cci) was noted with the application of Si @ 400 mg Si kg-1 soil along with P @ 40 mg P kg soil-1 in both the soils. Results of investigation indicated that application of silicon @ 300 mg kg-1 and phosphorus at 40 mg P O kg-1 gave maximum maize yield under P stress condition and also improved silicon, phosphorus and 2 5 micronutrients utilization by maize plants.