Utilizing Principal Component Analysis to Assess the Effects of Complex Foliar Fertilizers Regarding Maize ( Zea mays L.) Productivity

Laura Crista, Isidora Radulov, Florin Crista, Florinel Imbrea, Dan Nicolae Manea, Marius Boldea, Iosif Gergen, Anișoara Aurelia Ienciu () and Alina Lațo
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Laura Crista: Faculty of Agriculture, University of Life Sciences “King Michael I” from Timișoara (U.L.S.T.), 300645 Timișoara, Romania
Isidora Radulov: Faculty of Agriculture, University of Life Sciences “King Michael I” from Timișoara (U.L.S.T.), 300645 Timișoara, Romania
Florin Crista: Faculty of Agriculture, University of Life Sciences “King Michael I” from Timișoara (U.L.S.T.), 300645 Timișoara, Romania
Florinel Imbrea: Faculty of Agriculture, University of Life Sciences “King Michael I” from Timișoara (U.L.S.T.), 300645 Timișoara, Romania
Dan Nicolae Manea: Faculty of Agriculture, University of Life Sciences “King Michael I” from Timișoara (U.L.S.T.), 300645 Timișoara, Romania
Marius Boldea: Faculty of Agriculture, University of Life Sciences “King Michael I” from Timișoara (U.L.S.T.), 300645 Timișoara, Romania
Iosif Gergen: Faculty of Agriculture, University of Life Sciences “King Michael I” from Timișoara (U.L.S.T.), 300645 Timișoara, Romania
Anișoara Aurelia Ienciu: Faculty of Agriculture, University of Life Sciences “King Michael I” from Timișoara (U.L.S.T.), 300645 Timișoara, Romania
Alina Lațo: Faculty of Agriculture, University of Life Sciences “King Michael I” from Timișoara (U.L.S.T.), 300645 Timișoara, Romania

Agriculture, 2024, vol. 14, issue 8, 1-19

Abstract: This study sought to determine the effects of foliar fertilization (FF) on both the quantity and quality of maize grains using principal component analysis (PCA). This chemometric approach enabled the selection of the best foliar treatment model for enhancing maize yield and quality. The results were analyzed via PCA, providing valuable insights into identifying the FF recipe with the greatest influence on maize grain production and quality. These field experiments were run during the time period 2020–2022 in the university’s experimental field. Seven experimental variants with three repetitions were tested, including a control group and various FF formulations labeled V1 through V7, each with different chemical compositions. FF applications were conducted during specific vegetative phases of the maize, respectively, in stages 15–16 BBCH (5–6 unfolded leaves) and 20–22 BBCH (10–12 unfolded leaves), with application rates varying from 2 to 6 Lha 1 according to the product’s chemical properties. The application of FF treatments positively impacted both the production and quality of maize grains, as evidenced by specific quality indices such as moisture, protein, lipid, carbohydrate, fiber, and mineral content.

Keywords: macro-fertilizers; micro-fertilizers; maize; component analysis; seed yield; seed quality (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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