Uptake of Nutrients (N, P and K) by Rainfed Maize as Affected by N Application and Soil Type

Effect of N application on the uptake of N, P and K by rainfed maize grown on sandy loam and loamy sand soils was studied for two seasons during 1974–75. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents increased with N application on both the soils. The nutrient content increased successively up to 120 kg N/ha during the year of low rainfall, whereas it increased only up to 80 kg N/ha in sandy loam soil during a year of higher rainfall. Maximum nutrient uptake occurred at 80 kg N/ha in sandy loam soil and at 40 kg N/ha in loamy sand soil. The N content was higher in plants grown in loamy sand soil than in those on sandy loam soil. The P and K contents, on the other hand, were lower in grain in loamy sand soil during the year of low rainfall due to their lower mobility from stover to grain. Total uptake of N, P and K was higher in a sandy loam soil than in a loamy sand soil due to the higher biomass yield obtained in the former case.