FERTILIZER APPLICATION METHODS AND IRRIGATION LEVELS ON EARLY (Zea mays L.) DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Early corn development (Zea mays L.) was evaluated through roots (MR) and tops (MA) dry matter in a low tunnel greenhouse pot experiment, in a 2x2x4 factorial completely randomized design with three replications, comparing the following treatments: two Oxisols (a sandy Latossolo Vermelho Escuro — LE and a clay Latossolo Roxo - LR); two methods of fertilizer application (soil mixed - A1, and furrow planting line - A2), and four irrigation levels (0%, 15%, 30%, and 45% deficit in relation to the evapotranspired water). Significant effects were observed for fertilizer application methods and irrigation levels on MA, with 89,6% higher yield for A2, and MA reduction for increased water stress. There was a significant interaction between soil types and fertilizer application methods on MA, with a larger MA in the LE soil for A1 method, while MA was larger in the LR soil for A2 method. For MR, it was observed a significant effect of soil type and fertilizer application methods, with a larger yield in the LR soil under the A2 form. The findings confirm the importance of adequate soil water supply for nutrient absorption processes, resulting in better plant development. The localized fertilizer application is recommended for Oxisols with higher clay contents and larger phosphorus fixation capacity.

KEY-WORDS: Fertilizer; irrigation levels; Zea mays.