Formas de aplicação do fertilizante e níveis de irrigação no desenvolvimento do milho (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

Early com development (Zea mays L.) was evaluated through roots (MR) and tops (MA) dry matter in a low twmel greenhouse pot experiment, in a 2x2x4 factorial completely randomized design wilh three replications, comparing lhe following treatments: two Oxisols (a sandy Latossolo Vermelho Escuro - LE anda clay Latossolo Roxo -LA); two melhods offertilizer application (soil mixed-A1, and furrow planting line - A,), and four irrigation levels (0%, 15%, 30"/o, and 45% deficit in relation to lhe evapotranspired water). Significant effects were observed for fertilizer application met­hods and irrigation levels on MA, wilh 89,6% higher yield for A,, and MA reduction for increased water stress. There was a significant interaction between soil types and fertili­zer application methods on MA, wilh a larger MA in lhe LE soil for A, method, while MA was larger in lhe LR soil for A, method. For MR, it was observed a significant effect of soil type and fertilizer application methods, wilh a larger yield in lhe LR soil under lhe A, forro. The findings confum lhe importance of adequate soil water supply for nutrient absorption processes, resulting in better plant development. The localized fertilizer ap­plication is recommended for Oxisols wilh higher clay contents and larger phosphorus fixation capacity.