Abstract

Author:
Nashwa, M. El-Sheikh, Fatma El Zhraa, MM. Abo Elamayem, Rabab. A. Omer, Asmaa, A.E. Emam

Doi: 10.26480/sfna.02.2025.69.74

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

An experiment was conducted to study investigate the effects of the combined application of mineral fertilizers (NPK) and potassium humate (KH) on maize (Zea mays L.) yield, soil quality, and soil properties after harvesting. Maize was sown at Giza Agricultural Research Station, Agriculture Research Center, Giza,
Egypt, during the two seasons of 2024 and 2025. The experiment was arranged in a split-plot design with three replications. The experiment involved two factors: NPK fertilizer was applied at 50%, 75%, and 100% of the recommended rate, while in the main plot, potassium humate (KH) was added at 10 and 15 kg/Fed according to a split-plot experimental design. The results showed among the combined application of KH (15 kg/Fed) and 50% NPK reduced soil pH and electrical conductivity (EC), while increasing the available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) contents by 60.2, 7.25, and 226.1 mg/kg⁻¹, respectively. Maize plants treated with KH and NPK showed above growth values, such as 100-kernel weight (37.56 g), Grain yield (2.33 t/fed), Stover yield (3.39 t/fed), and Harvest index (40.73%). In addition, protein (12.65%) and oil content (4.82%) increased significantly, highlighting the role of KH in improving metabolic efficiency and nutrient absorption.The results highlight the possibility of combining mineral fertilizers with potassium
humate, which can be an effective strategy for farming in nutrient-poor soils to maximize maize yield but also supports long-term soil health.