Technology of maize with growth stimulants application

Abstract

One of the ways to reduce the negative impact of site factors on maize growth and yield may be to select appropriate agronomic treatments. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the different methods of seaweed biostimulant Kelpak and limestone fertilizer Nano Active application on the growth and grain yield of maize. The study was based on a field experiment with maize cultivar Mas 25 A (FAO 250), conducted in three successive growing seasons, in Poland (17º35′ E; 53º09′ N). The experiment was established in the randomized complete block design with four replications on plots with an area of 36 m2. Biostimulant Kelpak is obtained from marine macroalga (Ecklonia maxima) and contains mainly auxins and cytokines. Nano Active is a foliar fertilizer containing CaO 40 %, as well as Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn. Biostimulant was applied in a dose of 2 l·ha-1 at the 4- or 8-leaf stage, as well as sequentially 1.5 l·ha-1 in each of both those phases. Nano Active was applied in an amount of 2 kg·ha-1 at 4-leaf stage, alone or with the biostimulant Kelpak applied in a dose of 2 l·ha-1. Response of maize to the time and dose of preparation application depended on the weather conditions. In case of the expected rainfall deficit in the period of intensive stem elongation, the biostimulant had a favourable effect on the grain yield, if it was used before the onset of the stress factor, i.e. at the stage of 4 fully formed leaves. In years with more favourable weather conditions, single application at the 8-leaf stage in a dose of 2 l·ha-1, or sequential, in doses of 1.5 l·ha-1 at the 4- and 8-leaf stage, gave better results than in the control. Nano Active increased the maize grain yield as compared with the control only if it was applied together with the seaweed biostimulant.