PJB-2022-34
Response of maize to Humic acid and foliar Salicylic acid application
KHAN MUHAMMAD
Abstract
RESPONSE OF MAIZE TO HUMIC ACID AND FOLIAR SALICYLIC ACID APPLICATION Khan Muhammad and Shazma Anwar Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Crop Production Sciences The University of Agriculture, Peshawar January, 2022 ABSTRACT Humic acid application to soil has positive effects on soil properties and maize yield. Foliar application of salicylic acid is the alternate option to enhance maize growth and yield under wide range of environmental conditions. An experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Research Farm, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar during summer season 2021 to study the response of maize to different humic acid levels (0, 05, 10 and 15 kg ha-1) and foliar salicylic acid sprays (0, 250, 500 and 750 mg L-1). The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. A plot size of 5 m × 4.5 m with row to row distance of 75 cm and plant to plant distance of 25 cm was maintained. Different humic acid levels were applied to soil at the time of sowing while salicylic acid foliar sprays were applied after 30 days of sowing the maize crop. Maize hybrid CS-200 was sown at the rate of 30 kg ha-l. Experimental results revealed that humic acid application at the rate of 15 kg ha-1 significantly increased days to tasseling (59), days to silking (63), days to physiological maturity (100), number of leaves plant-1 (15), leaf area plant-1 (3875 cm2), leaf area index (2.71), plant height (204 cm), ear length (17 cm), number of grains ear-1 (502), thousand grains weight (299.6 g), grain yield (5304 kg ha-1) and biological yield (13846 kg ha-1) of maize crop. Foliar spray of salicylic acid at the rate of 500 mg L-1 on maize significantly enhanced leaf area plant-1 (3810 cm2), leaf area index (2.67), plant height (200 cm), ear length (16 cm), number of grains ear-1 (492), thousand grains weight (294.3 g), biological yield (13465 kg ha-1) and grain yield (5104 kg ha-1) with retaining minimum days to tasseling (57 days), days to silking (62 days) and days to physiological maturity (98 days). The interactive effect of humic acid and salicylic acid was found non significant for all the studied parameters. It is concluded that incorporation of humic acid at the rate of 15 kg ha-1 and salicylic acid foliar spray at the rate of 500 mg L-1 maintained higher grain yield of maize crop and therefore recommended for the studied area.
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