Effect of Fertilization on the NPK Uptake of Different Maize (Zea mays L.) Genotypes

In 2013 and 2014, the N, P and K contents of the aboveground phytomass and grain yield of maize hybrids (P 9494, SY Afinity) were examined, as well as the different amounts of N, P and K (kg ha(-1)) uptake at different nutrient levels (control, N-90 + PK, N-150 + PK), on calcareous chernozem soil in Eastern Hungary (47 degrees 33' N, 21 degrees 27' E). Our experimental findings proved that as a result of fertilization, the macronutrient (N, P, K) content of the maize hybrids significantly increased in both years in the vegetative and generative plant parts. In the control, the maize hybrids gave high yields (from 10.2 to 11.3 t ha(-1) in 2013, and 11.3-14.6 t ha(-1) in 2014), and the surpluses due to fertilization varied between 3.2 and 5.0 t ha(-1) (2013) and 2.9 and 3.1 t ha(-1) (2014). The experimental results proved that fertiliser dosage, genotype and crop year each influenced the NPK utilisation of the fertiliser applied. With increasing doses of fertiliser, NPK utilization deteriorated. In both years, the SY Afinity gave a better N-utilization than the P 9494 hybrid. P-and K-utilization were significantly affected by the year. N-utilization varied from 49.8 to 97.6%, P-utilization varied from 17.1 to 47.7%, and K-utilization from 26.7 to 79.7%; in 2013, and the utilization values were 70.9 to 96.8%, 11.6 to 23.3%, and 30.4 to 62.0% in 2014, respectively.