Mineral Composition and Dry Mass Production of Corn Plants Affected by Different Phosphate Sources and Different Soil Aluminum Saturation Levels

Abstract

The effects of different commercial phosphate fertilizers [Triple superphosphate (TSP), Tricalcium phosphate (TCP), and ARAD rock phosphate) and soil aluminum (Al) saturation (86, 29, and 0%) on the mineral composition and dry mass production of corn (Zea mays) plants were studied. As soil Al saturation values decreased, pH, calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) levels in the soil increased. High Ca values in the shoot resulted in the reduction in potassium (K) concentrations. The high values of P availability in the soil for the ARAD source of P did not correspond to the high values of dry mass production of corn plants. The high values of corn mass production were noticed for the TSP phosphate source, and the mass productions values were reduced as the soil Al saturation values increased.

Keywords:

• Phosphorus
• Aluminum toxicity
• Liming
• Zea mays