Effect of Deficit Irrigation and Potassium Fertilizer on the Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.)

Potassium (K) and irrigation both plays a key role in the growth and yield attributes of maize crop. Though present in large quantities in soil, but mostly in an unavailable form and hence optimizing K levels in maize field is crucial. . The current study adopted a synergistic approach for optmizing K and irrigation levels for maize crop in agroclimatic conditions of Sindh, Pakistan. The experiment consists of three replicated randomized complete blocks (net plot size of 30 m2). Four irrigation levels, i.e. (no irrigation, 2 irrigations, 4 irrigations and 6 irrigations) and five potassium applications (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 kg/ha) were employed. Among all treatments, six irrigation along with 100 kg ha-1 application exhibited significantly higher yield attributes. Specifically, grain per cob was 301.81, seed index or 1000-grain weight was 433.4, biological yield was 45104 kg ha-1, grain yeild was 4832.8 kg ha-1. Similarly, the vegetative growth performance in terms of plant height (221.81 cm), stem girth (10.04 cm), and number of leaves (17.55) was prominent and significantly higher than the rest of the treatments. The findings may further contribute the better maize cultivation and boosting the national economy and self-sufficiency for this important cereal crop