Effect of Addition different Levels of Potassium on The Yield of Maize under Water Stress Conditions
Abstract
In the fall of 2022, a study was conducted in an agricultural area in Raranjia (Hamzawiyah) province, situated 10 km south of Babylon Governorate and the center of Hilla. The study aimed to enhance the growth efficiency of Maize plants (Zea mays L.) Fajr 1 cultivar under water stress conditions through experimentation with different irrigation periods and amounts of potassium sulfate in soil with a sandy clay mixed texture. The experiment followed a randomized complete block design (R.C.B.D) with three replicates in a split-plot arrangement. The irrigation periods they consisted of four levels (6, 8, 10, and 12) days, while the levels of potassium sulfate included four levels (0, 150, 200, and 250) kg.h-1. The results indicated that the irrigation period of every eight days led to the highest yield, while 12 days significantly reduced output. Adding potassium sulfate also greatly enhanced maize yield, with the highest rates achieved at 250 kg.ha-1. Combining the two factors resulted in the highest average grain yield, with biological crops amounting to 8.7 tons.ha-1 and 19.06 tons.ha-1, respectively.
The study concluded that a balanced combination of irrigation periods and potassium sulfate levels can significantly improve maize yield.