Effect of foliar fertilization application on the growth and mineral nutrient content of maize seedlings under drought and salinity

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to investigate the interactive effects of foliar fertilization and drought and salinity on the growth of maize. Maize plants were grown in soil under drought or salinity in a greenhouse for 23 days after sowing. At harvest, plant height, shoot biomass, and the lengths, fresh weights and dry weights of the blade in the expanded leaf 3 and expanding leaves 4 and 5 were determined. Mineral elements (Na, K, Ca, Mg, P and N) in individual leaves were analyzed. Although there was a reduction in evapotranspiration, maize growth, such as shoot fresh weight and dry weight, and leaf fresh weight and dry weight under drought and salinity, the application of foliar fertilization did not improve plant growth under short-term drought or salt stress. Drought reduced the uptake of K, Ca, Mg and P, which may be attributed to decreased transpiration. An increase or no change in the nutrient concentration in leaves under saline conditions suggests that an osmotic effect may be responsible for the plant reduction. © 2008 Japanese Society of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition.