Influences of Phosphorus Fertilization on Maize Yields in Potkozarje Area

The field experiment with four rates of phosphorus (P) fertilization was conducted in spring of 2004 with treatments as follows: a) ordinary fertilization (kg/ha: 200 N + 80 P_2O_5 + 120 K_2O) ; b) a + 500 kg P_2O_5 ; c) a + 1000 kg P_2O_5 ; and d) a + 1500 kg P_2_O5. The triplephoshate enriched with sulphur and zinc (45% P_2O_5 + 1, 2% S + 0, 06% Zn) was used as a source of P. Maize (Bc5984 and OsSK494 hybrids, for the growing season 2004 and 2005, respectively) was grown on the experimental plot. For the 2005 growing season, only ordinary fertilization was applied. As affected by applied fertilization maize grain yields increased up to 32% and 17% compared to the control, for 2004 and 2005, respectively. Both tested growing seasons were favorable for maize growing. Excess of precipitation was main characteristics of weather conditions during the 2005 growing season. Maize maturity under these conditions was delayed about twenty days in comparison to the normal year.