Effect of integrated potassium on weeds fresh weight, weeds dry weight, yield and yield components of maize hybrids

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.) has high growth rate, produce large quantity of organic matter, and is highly susceptible to weeds presence. An experiment comprised of two factors i.e. hybrids (DK-Garanon, Pioneer-3025, WS-666, and Pioneer-3164) and potassium ratios (Organic vs inorganic) was laid out in randomized complete block design with split plot arrangement in four replicates. Organic source of K was poultry manure (PM) while inorganic source was sulphate of potash (SOP). Potassium (K) was applied from both organic and inorganic source in different ratios to provide a total of 80 kg K ha-1. Among maize hybrids lowest weeds fresh weight, weeds dry weight with highest 1000 grains weight, biological yield and grain yield was recorded for DK-Garanon hybrid whereas more grains ear-1 was recorded for Pioneer-3164. Regarding potassium ratios, highest weeds fresh weight and dry weight was recorded in plots which received 100% K from organic source. Highest grains ear-1, 1000 grains weight, biological yield and grain yield was recorded in plots where 40% K was applied from organic and 60% from inorganic source. Integrated application of 80 kg ha-1 K in such an arrangement that 40% K is obtained from organic and 60% from inorganic source results in better yield. More study on combined use of organic and inorganic source of K is recommended to explore more its benefits.