Agronomic efficiency of phosphorus, biomass and yield of two native varieties of maize and one hybrid in central Mexico

The Toluca´s México valley is considered a high valley because it is situated at 2560 m.a.s.l. In this region, maize is the most important crop; free pollination [Yellow, red, blue and flour maize (Cacahuacintle)] and hybrid materials are grown. Corn yield is negatively affected by an inadequate P fertilization. The aim of this study was to determine the agronomic effectiveness of phosphorus in terms of biomass and yield on three cultivars of maize as a function of six levels of phosphorus fertilization in the Toluca´s valley, Mexico. The materials Amarillo Almoloya, Cacahuacintle and Cóndor were sown under a completely randomized block design with a factorial arrangement. One of the factors were the cultivars (three), and the other factor were the six levels of phosphorus: 0, 40, 80, 120, 160, 200 kg/ha of P₂O₅. Yield, biomass and agronomic efficiency of phosphorus were evaluated. The results indicated that the application of phosphorus affected yield, biomass and agronomic efficiency of phosphorus in a positive way. The free pollination Cacahuacintle was the cultivar that presented a better response to P in the study area.