Changes in Nutrient Concentrations of Maize (Zea mays var. intendata) Leaves under Potassium and Magnesium Applications in Central Anatolia

Abstract

This research was carried out to determine the effects of potassium (0, 40, 80, 120 kg K2O ha-1; as potassium sulfate; 50% K2O) and magnesium (0, 20, 40, 60 kg MgO ha-1; as magnesium sulfate; 16% MgO) applied to the soil, either separately or in various combinations, on some nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn) in maize leaves grown under field conditions in semi-arid Central Anatolia in Turkey in 2009 and 2010. The study was designed as a factorial arrangement in randomized block design with four replications. After soil analysis of the study areas, K and Mg-fertilizers were applied at sowing. The results showed that the K applications alone could increase the nutrient concentrations of the leaves, and synergic relations were found between K and P, Fe, or Zn. Synergic relations were also found between Mg and P or Fe. Generally, combined applications of K and Mg resulted in higher nutrient concentrations in the leaves by ameliorating the antagonistic effect of poor soil K-Ca-Mg ionic balances. The leaf nutrient concentrations were generally higher in the first year (2009) than that of the experiment than in the second year (2010).