Abstract
To study the effect of zinc foliar application on the morphological characteristics and nutrient uptake (both macro- and micronutrients) in forage maize under drought stress conditions, an experiment was carried out using the factorial method in the form of a complete randomized block design with three replicates during the 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 crop seasons. The first experimental factor was drought stress, including irrigation intervals of 8 days [non-stress (NS)], 12 days [moderate drought stress (MDS)], and 16 days [severe drought stress (SDS)]; the second factor was zinc foliar application in two sources of zinc [zinc chelate (Zn-Ch), and zinc nanochelate (Zn-NCh)], and without zinc application (control). Drought stress decreased seed’s and shoot’s phosphorus (P), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) contents and decreased copper (Cu) and nitrogen (N) contents in the shoot. Meanwhile, drought decreased seed’s N content and potassium (K) content in plant shoots and seeds. However, drought stress had no impact on the seed’s Cu content. Lower nutrient uptake from the soil results in lower vegetative and reproductive growth and, thus, plant height, plant dry and fresh weights, the number of leaves and ears per plant, ear weight, and grain weight decreased with drought stress severity. A maximum reduction in morphological characteristics was observed by applying a 16-day irrigation interval (SDS). Foliar application of Zn-Ch and Zn-NCh significantly decreased the adverse effects of drought stress; under MDS (12-day irrigation interval), applying Zn-Ch and Zn-NCh increased the contents of N and Cu in maize shoots; under SDS (16-day interval), using Zn-Ch and Zn-NCh increased Zn content in seeds and shoots. The results demonstrated the efficient effect of zinc foliar application in alleviating the adverse effects of drought stress. We suggest the foliar application of zinc can be considered a suitable substance for enhancing the efficiency of stabilizing production, utilizing resources, and other inputs.
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Weisany, W., Mohammadi, M., Tahir, N.Ar. et al. Changes in Growth and Nutrient Status of Maize (Zea mays L.) in Response to Two Zinc Sources Under Drought Stress. J Soil Sci Plant Nutr 21, 3367–3377 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-021-00612-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-021-00612-y