EFFECT OF FOLIAR AMINO ACIDS ON THE UPTAKE AND REMOVAL OF NUTRIENTS IN MAIZE

Abstract

The use of improved seeds along with the adoption of the best agricultural practices, such as timely and balanced nutrition, enables plants to express their maximum genetic potential. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of foliar application of amino acids on the extraction and removal of nutrients in the maize crop in the highlands of central Mexico. An experimental design of randomized complete blocks with four replications was used, under a split-plots arrangement into two environments. The grain yield and dry matter of the plants were determined; in addition, the content of macro and micronutrient content in the aerial part of the plant tissue and the grain was analyzed in laboratory. The total extraction and removal of nutrients in the maize grain was calculated. Data were subjected to combined analysis of variance and comparison of means (Tukey, P ≤ 0.05). The application of foliar amino acids increased the production of biomass and grain in maize, as well as the levels of extraction and removal of nutrients. The macronutrients requirement, in kg ha^-1, to harvest 12.3 t ha^-1 of grain was 292.3 N, 87.2 P, 238.1 K, 66.2 Ca, 47.8 Mg, and in micronutrients, in g ha^-1, 201 of Cu, 586.4 Mn, 375.6 Zn and 115.6 B. High percentages of removal of P (74 %), N (58 %) and Zn (54 %) were observed in the grain; therefore, it is suggested the incorporation of these nutrients to the soil and foliar application as a complement to nutrition.