Response of Several Maize Cultivars to Potassium Fertilizer Levels

Abstract

The study was conducted to investigate the response of four maize cultivars to potassium fertilization. The research was conducted in the center of Ramadi city, Anbar Governorate, in the fields of one of the farmers during the spring and autumn seasons of 2023. A factorial experiment was conducted according to randomized complete blocks design with four replicates. The potassium levels were (0, 100, 200) kg ha-1, and four cultivars (Rabi, Al-Maha, Baghdad, 5018). The results showed that the Al-Maha cultivar outperformed in grain yield (7.58 tons ha-1), highest weight of 300 grains (83.31 g in the spring season), and Baghdad cultivar for the autumn season at 8.90 tons ha-1, as well as highest number of grains per ear (789.4 grains). The potassium fertilizer level of 200 kg.ha-1 achieved early female flowering (silking), highest plant height, leaf area, number of grains per ear, and grain yield in both seasons. There was a significant interaction between the cultivars and potassium fertilizer levels in all traits except for the weight of 300 grains.