Scientists at Kazan State Agrarian University (KSAU) have developed a novel method for growing corn in drought conditions.
«The method involves foliar feeding plants with liquid organomineral fertilizers during a critical development phase – when they have six true leaves. A tank mix of nitrogen and zinc-based preparations proved particularly effective, acting as `first aid` for plants under stress. In dry years, this treatment increases corn yield by 17-19% and starch content by 8-10%,» stated the university.
The university noted that this method addresses the significant drop in crop productivity caused by insufficient moisture, which prevents the root system from supplying plants with necessary nutrients.
«Foliar application of fertilizers allows mineral nutrients to be delivered and integrated into the plant`s metabolism more quickly. This is especially crucial during dry periods when nutrient uptake through the root system is limited due to soil drought,» explained Professor Radik Safin, one of the method`s developers.
The researchers added that the technology is economically beneficial for farmers, as a yield increase of one ton per hectare more than covers the cost of the relatively inexpensive preparations.
Over a three-year average, the yield increase was 10.7 centners per hectare, which is a 13.8% increase compared to the control group, the university stated.(A centner is a unit of mass, typically 100 kg).
