Some factors influencing yield and cation sum and ratios in corn

Maximum yields of corn depends on adequate and balanced supplies of essential nutrients. In order to elucidate some of the factors which influence yields, a study was initiated to evaluate K, Ca, and Mg balances as influenced by seasonal variation, age of plants, and rates of K application. Corn was grown three consecutive years on a Hartsells loam at three levels of applied K. Significant yield response to applied K was observed. The level of response to K was dependent upon weather conditions. Fertilizer K, age, and yearly variation resulted in significant changes in the sum of the cations (K+Ca+Mg), and the K/Ca, K/Mg, and K/(Ca+Mg) ratios in corn leaf tissue. Grain yield and K concentration in corn tissue increased while the tissue concentration of Ca and Mg decreased as a result of K application.