Diverse Planting Density-Driven Nutrient and Yield Enhancement of Sweet Corn by Zinc and Selenium Foliar Application

Bosco Justin Shio, Shaomin Guo, Ruifang Zhang, Sikander Khan Tanveer and Jiangbo Hai
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Bosco Justin Shio: Department of Crop Cultivation and Farming System, College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China
Shaomin Guo: Department of Crop Cultivation and Farming System, College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China
Ruifang Zhang: Department of Crop Cultivation and Farming System, College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China
Sikander Khan Tanveer: Wheat Programme, Crop Sciences Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre, Park Road Islamabad, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
Jiangbo Hai: Department of Crop Cultivation and Farming System, College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 9, 1-16

Abstract: Corn ( Zea mays L.) is one of the major cereal crops cultivated worldwide. Zinc and selenium are important nutrients for humans and plants, and their deficiency is a cause for concern in most developing countries. Sweet corn fertilized with zinc and selenium can mitigate this problem. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of fertilization with Zn and Se on the yield and quality of sweet corn varieties under different planting densities. The experimental design used was a split-plot based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. Compared to the control, significant differences were recorded in grain yield, leaf area index, and plant height (i.e., Zn/Se + density + variety) treatments. Non-significant differences in the number of kernels per cob, sugar content and crude protein were recorded under different treatments. Significant differences in grain yield, water-soluble sugar, and zinc and selenium content in grain were recorded. Grain yield was higher in Selenium than in Zinc treatments, with a mean difference of 0.05 t ha −1 . We conclude that grain yield and selenium content in grain were influenced by selenium foliar application, while water-soluble sugar and zinc content in grain were influenced by foliar zinc application.

Keywords: zinc; selenium; sweet corn; diverse planting density; nutritional value (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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