Investigation of the effects of foliar fertilization on two maize hybrids’ physiological characteristics under irrigated conditions

Exponential population growth requires increased food production amidst several crop stresses like drought and soil infertility that impact plant growth and production. Maize is globally recognized as a salient cereal crop. Foliar fertilisation and irrigation are among the precision practices that deter crop stress. Therefore, this study objectively evaluated the effects of foliar fertilization on different physiological parameters of two maize hybrids (FAO 490 and FAO 290) under irrigated conditions at Látókép Crop Experimental Site, University of Debrecen, Hungary, during the year 2023. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design. Foliar fertilizer treatments consisted of nitrogen (10 g/l), zinc (8 g/l), K₂O (8.5 g/l), P₂O₅ (0.83 g/l) and sulphur (8.93 g/l). Surface drip irrigation lines were laid in every row near the plants at the intensity of 3 litres per hour, controlled by the hydra wise app, managed by a nearby meteorological station. Data on selected physiological parameters, namely plant height, leaf area index, NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) and relative chlorophyll content (Soil Plant Analysis Development values), were collected at V12, VT, R4 and R6 stages. Data analysis comparing foliar fertilization effect was carried out using a T-test. There was no significant difference in LAI, NDVI, SPAD and plant height for the two hybrids due to foliar application when compared with control. However, comparing hybrid and trait interactions showed that plant heights differed significantly (P<0.001) between the two hybrids. At R6 and V12 stages, lower values of all traits were recorded, whereas at R4 and VT stages high values of NDVI, plant height, SPAD and LAI were recorded. FAO290 had higher LAI values than FAO490 at both V12 and VT stages; however, there were no significant differences when compared to control. The findings imply that the physiological growth of maize mainly depends on the ways in which hybrids and traits interact when exposed to foliar fertilization.