Optimizing Foliar Iron Application: Effects of Rate and Frequency on Maize Growth, Yield and Grain Quality

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at the Micronutrient Research Farm, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat, India to evaluate the influence of foliar iron (Fe) application at varying rates and frequencies on the growth, yield, and quality of maize. The study comprised nine treatments arranged in a Randomized Block Design with three replications. The results revealed that foliar application of iron significantly affected cob length, the number of cobs per plant, and the grain and stover yields of maize. The treatment comprising recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + 0.75% FeSO4 (two sprays at 25 and 50 days after sowing (DAS)) recorded the highest grain yield (3846 kg ha-¹) and stover yield (7543 kg ha-¹), showing a significant improvement over the control. The Fe and sulphur (S) content were measured in maize leaves one week after the first and second foliar sprays, and also in the grain and stover at harvest. The treatment RDF + 1.00% FeSO4 (two sprays at 25 and 50 DAS) resulted in significantly higher Fe and S content in maize leaves after both sprays. Similarly, Fe and S uptake by maize grain and stover were significantly influenced by foliar Fe application, with the highest uptake observed under the RDF + 1.00% FeSO4 (two sprays) treatment. These findings highlight the dual benefit of foliar Fe application in improving not only maize productivity but also its nutritional quality.