Dynamics of Soil and Foliar Applied Boron and Zinc to Improve Maize Productivity and Profitability.

Zinc and Boron dearth is an imperative soil constraint in Pakistan. Zinc (Zn) and boron (B) deficiency in soil is primary hindrance to achieve yield potential of maize. An experiment was conducted with the objectives to optimize methods of B and Zn application in maize and ultimately enhance profitability. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with factorial arrangement during autumn 2015. Treatments were replicated three times. The treatments were comprised of C = no Zn and B (Control); Zn (S) = soil application of Zn @ of 12 kg ha-1; B (S): soil application of B @ 3 kg ha-1; Zn (F) = foliar application of 1% Zn at 9th leaf stage; B (F) = foliar application of 0.5% B at 9th leaf stage; Zn (S) + B (S) = soil application of Zn @ 12 kg ha-1 + B @ of 3 kg ha-1 and Zn (F) + B (F) = foliar application of 1% Zn + 0.5% B at 9 leaf stage. Foliar application of Zn and B produced more plant height, cob length, girth, stem girth, shelling percentage, number of grains per cob, 1000-grain weight, harvest index, grain and biological yield. Maximum marginal rate of return was obtained with foliar application of both Zn and B and using foliar Zn alone. Integrated B and Zn application produced more marginal rate of returns both in soil and foliar applications. Use of foliar Zn application also depicted promising results while foliar or soil B application without using Zn enhanced cost of production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]