Response of maize to phosphorus fertilization 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 P2O5 + 120 K2O) ; b) a + 500 kg P2O5 ; c) a + 1000 kg P2O5 ; and d) a + 1500 kg P2O5. The triplephoshate enriched with sulphur and zinc (45% P2O5 + 1, 2% S + 0, 06% Zn) was used as a source of P. Maize (hybrid Bc5984) was sown in term May 8, 2004. Theoretical plant density was 63493 plants/ha. As affected by applied fertilization maize grain yields increased up to 32% compared to the control. Differences of yields between the control and three rates of P were very significant. We presume that response of crops to P fertilization will be continued because applied rates are up to 10 times higher in comparison with annual needs of the field crops.