Iron fertilization to alleviate iron deficiency in irrigated maize hybrid in non-calcareous soil

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted to study the effect of iron fertilization to alleviate iron deficiency in irrigated maize hybrid in non calcareous soil. The design of the experiment was Randomized Block Design (RBD). The experimental soil is sandy loam at MRS, Vagarai. The effect of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University micro nutrient (MN) mixture and FeSO4 were studied by applying it as a direct chemical fertilizer and as enriched form with and without FeSO4 foliar spray. Among the different treatments, The highest grain yield was recorded in 100% RDF+ Basal application of TNAU MN mixture @ 30 kg ha-1 as EFYM+ Foliar spray of 1% FeSO4 at 30 DAS followed by 100% RDF+ Basal application of TNAU MN mixture @ 30 kg ha-1 as EFYM and the lowest being in 100% RDF. The soil iron content showed significant difference due to different treatments at 45 DAS and at harvest. Application of FeSO4 enriched application showed higher Fe content in soil when compared to the application of TNAU MN mixture either straight or enriched application in non calcareous soils. Application of TNAU MN mixture either straight or enriched was found to be good in enhancing the Fe uptake of the crop in grain and stalk at harvest due to the higher DMP and yield parameters.