Effect of Nitrogen and Zinc Application on Accumulation and Distribution of Mineral Elements in Grain at Different Positions of Ear of Maize with Different Zn Efficiency

ZHANG Panpan; SHAO Yunhui; LI Chunhua; MU Weilin; GUO Hanxiao; LI Chuan; ZHANG Meiwei; ZHAO Shuangsuo; HU Yanqi; HAN Linlin; QIAO Jiangfang

doi:10.15933/j.cnki.1004-3268.2025.04.002

Abstract：With zinc(Zn)efficiency(Zhengdan 958,ZD958)and insensitivity types(Longping 638,LP638)as materials,the effects of nitrogen(N)rates[225 kg/ha(HN),180 kg/ha(MN)and 90 kg/ha(LN)]and foliar Zn[no Zn(Zn0),spraying Zn of 1∶1 at jointing stage and flare opening stage(Zn1)]on the yield and content,accumulation and distribution of mineral elements in grain at different positions of maize ear,so as to provide scientific basis for the N and Zn fertilization in summer maize production.The result indicated that in general,the kernel number,1 000-grain weight,yield and mineral element accumulation showed upper grain<middle grain<basal grain.MN had the highest upper grain yield,and HN had the highest middle and basal grain yield.Foliar Zn improved the yield of upper,basal and whole grain;Compared with LP638,the upper and basal grain yields of ZD958 were higher.Overall,MNZn1ZD958 treatment had high upper,basal and whole grain yield,Zn content in whole grain,and potassium(K)and manganese(Mn)accumulation in upper grain.HNZn1ZD958 treatment had higher yield,N and Mn contents in whole grain,copper(Cu)and Zn contents in upper grain and Cu content in middle grain,and increased the proportions of Mn and Zn in upper grain and Cu in middle grain.There was significantly positive correlation between whole grain yield and basal grain yield;N content in whole grain was significantly positively correlated with middle grain yield,and significantly negatively correlated with Mn and Zn contents.By comprehensive consideration,spraying Zn of 1∶1 at jointing stage and flare opening stage can improve yield under 180-225 kg/ha N condition;Spraying Zn of 1∶1 at jointing stage and flare opening stage can promote N,Zn and Mn accumulation under 180 kg/ha N condition;Spraying Zn of 1∶1 at jointing stage and flare opening stage is conducive to the transport of Cu,Mn and Zn to basal grain under 90 kg/ha N condition;Spraying Zn of 1∶1 at jointing stage and flare opening stage is conducive to the transport of N,Mn and Zn to upper grain under 225 kg/ha N condition.