Published online by Cambridge University Press: 27 March 2009
A study designed to investigate the effect of K nutrition on the yield, components of yield and on macro- and micronutrient concentration of maize showed no significant effect of K on yield in forest alfisols derived from basement complex rocks and in savannah alfisols derived from sandstones in the tropics. Potassium addition significantly decreased lodging, but had little influence on cob length, ear weight, shelling percentage or moisture content.
Ear-leaf N and K were significantly increased, while Ca and Mg were decreased by K application. All the micronutrient concentrations (Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu) were significantly increased by K application in the forest and savannah zones. Yield was positively correlated with ear-leaf N on both soils.