Spatial variability of soil and plant nutrients and their influence on maize grain yield.

Spatial variability on soil properties and crop yield has been one of the major objectives in investigations related to agriculture production. Performance and stability of grain maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes were evaluated at four locations in Peninsular Malaysia viz. Padang Rengas (Perak), Rhu Tapai (Terengganu), Sungai Udang (Melaka) and UPM, Serdang (Selangor), in two years. The objectives of this study were: (1) to evaluate the spatial variability of soil N, P and K, and their influence on maize yield in Peninsular Malaysia, and (2) to investigate the relationship among grain yield, soil and plant nutrient variables. The experiments at the locations were arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. Recommended agronomic practices were used at each location. Evaluations were conducted from June 2000 to March 2002. Spatial variability for grain yield, leaf and soil chemical properties were also evaluated at the four locations, where different patterns of spatial variability for grain yield, leaf and soil chemical properties were observed in the fields at all locations. The analysis also revealed that percent variability in grain yield variation was associated with soil N, P and K and leaf P concentration. Grain yield was particularly positively correlated with soil P and K concentration. The results also indicate the effectiveness of site-specific soil management such as reduced fertilizer applications to increase grain yield through minimizing yield variation in grain maize fields. In addition, soil and plant N, P and K analysis provided some information on genotype x environment interaction effect.

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