Precision drip Irrigation System and Foliar Application of Biostimulant and Fertilizers Containing Micronutrients Optimize Photochemical Efficiency and Grain Yield of Maize (Zea mays L)

Abstract

Asymmetric drought propagation and depletion of soil nutrients threaten cereal crop productivity worldwide, calling for the application of validated agronomic practices to curtail their effect on crop production. This study evaluated the effect of precision drip irrigation, biostimulant, and micronutrients application on photochemical efficiency and yield of maize.An experiment laid in a randomized complete block design with irrigation and water stress was established in 2022 and 2023 growing seasons at the experimental area of the University of Debrecen. Other treatments included T1 (non-microbial biostimulant from plant origin), T2 (zinc based chemical fertilizer), T3 (boron and molybdenum based chemical fertilizer), and T4 (control). Data was collected on steady-state fluorescence (F’), maximal fluorescence (Fm’), quantum photosynthetic yield or efficiency of photosystem II (ΦPSII or Y(II)), electron transport rate (ETR), and grain yield and yield components. Precision drip irrigation significantly optimized ΦPSII, ETR, cob weight, number of seeds per cob, weight of 1000 seeds and grain yield. The biostimulant and micronutrients optimized Fm’, ΦPSII, and ETR at VT and R2 growth stages. Regardless of the water management regime, T1, T2 and T3 seasonally optimized grain yield. Between water management regimes, biostimulant had the highest yield optimization effect under precision drip irrigation in the season with elevated water stress.Optimum photochemical efficiency and grain yield is achievable through precision drip irrigation, biostimulant, and micronutrient application. However, further research involving 2–3 application times at critical stages of maize under precision drip irrigation and/or combined application of these treatments at season specific precision drip irrigation is required.