Alleviating iron deficiency through iron fertilization in calcareous soil

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted to study the effect of iron fertilization to alleviate iron deficiency in irrigated maize hybrid in calcareous soil in farmers holding at Vagarai village, Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu. The effect of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Micro Nutrient (TNAU MN) mixture and ferrous sulphate (FeSO4) were studied by applying it as a direct chemical fertilizer and as an enriched form with and without FeSO4 foliar spray. The results revealed that, 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 stalk yield also followed the same trend as that of grain yield. 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. 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 due to the higher DMP and yield parameters.