Integrated influence of phosphorus and zinc along with farm yard manure on the yield and nutrients uptake in spring maize

The maximum requirement of primary nutrients by hybrid maize crop deteriorate the fertility of soil, therefore farm yard manure (FYM) in combination with mineral zinc (Zn) and phosphorus (P) was selected for the increasing crop productivity, rehabilitate and sustain the precious soil. The research was carried out at the farm of The university of Agriculture Peshawar (UAP) during year 2019-20. To investigate the impact of mineral P from di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) and Zn from zinc sulphate (ZnSO‌4) in combination with FYM on maize yield. The experiment was carried out in randomized completed block design (RCND) having eight different combinations of FYM, P and Zn were used excluding control. Spring hybrid variety of maize (CS- 200) was used as a test crop. Basal dosage of nitrogen (N) 120 and potassium (K) 60 kg ha-1 were also applied. Physio-chemical properties of soil and concentration of Zn, P and K in maize leaves at silking stage and post harvested stage were measured. The objectives of this study was to determine the impact of FYM, P and (Zn) alone and in combination on yield of maize and soil properties and to gives best combination of organic fertilizers with mineral. From this research it was concluded that the combine application mineral P and Zn with FYM have linearly influenced the thousand grains weight, grain and biological yield of hybrid maize (CS- 200). The combine used of P and FYM @ of 90 kg ha-1 and 10 ton ha-1 shows influential impact on 1000 grains weight and grain yield respectively. The soil organic matter and total N were significantly (p≤0.05) influenced by FYM applied alone, whereas the uptake of N, P and K by hybrid maize crop was found maximum in the plot where P in combination with FYM was added. Based on results the application of FYM @ 10 t ha-1 applied with 90 kg P ha-1 have the potential to improve maize yield as well as soil fertility and physical condition, also enhance the plant nutrient uptake and yield of hybrid maize, while the concentration of zinc in soil and plant were also greatly affected by the applied treatment. It show antagonistic effect with P and its concentration become linearly decreased with the increase in P rates, while the maximum Zn concentration was showed by the sole application of zinc fertilizer.