Response of Maize to Spraying Phosphorus and Seaweed under the Conservation Agriculture System

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the fall season 2022 to study the Conservation agriculure system and the role of Treatment foliar sprays (phosphorus and seaweed) in improve growth and productivity of maize. The Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) within the order of split plots including three replicates was used. The experiment included two levels of Conservation agriculture (Zero Tillage or Tillage) symbolized by T0, T1, that represented the main plots, while the subplots included the foliar spray six mixtures of liquid phosphorus and seaweed: without spray (control), Full recommendation of di ammonium phosphate (DAP) symbolized (P1), Half-recommended di ammonium phosphate (DAP), with spraying liquid phosphorous at concentration of 100 ml/L symbolized (P2), Half-recommended di ammonium phosphate (DAP) with spraying liquid phosphorous at concentration of 200 ml/L symbolized (P3), Half recommended di ammonium phosphate (DAP) with spraying liquid phosphorus at concentration of 100 ml/L with seaweed at concentration of 50 ml/L symbolized (P4), and Half-recommended di ammonium phosphate (DAP) with liquid full-recommendation with 200 ml/L of with seaweed at concentration of 100 ml/L symbolized (P5). Results showed, Conservation agriculture negatively affected the vegetative growth characteristics, reduced Plant height and Leafy area, Crop growth rate Also, the characteristics of productivity were negatively affected, and the 500-Grains weight, decreased gave 77.81(g), and the Grain yield 3.18 (Mega ha). Foliar spraying improved and increased the growth characteristics and productivity of Maize, gave higher treatment (P5) for plant height and leaf area as well as the highest productivity. Conclude Conservation agriculture of Maize did not succeed in central Iraq and affected negatively in reducing the growth and productivity characteristics, and that foliar spraying led to improving and increasing the growth and productivity of Maize.