PRODUCTIVITY OF MAIZE HYBRIDS UNDER DIFFERENT MINERAL NUTRITION SYSTEMS AND GROWTH STIMULANTS

Abstract

The effectiveness of combining different mineral nutrition systems with plant growth stimulants for individual maize hybrids remains insufficiently studied, particularly in view of current agroclimatic challenges and the need to increase productivity while reducing anthropogenic pressure. Therefore, research aimed at identifying optimal combinations of hybrids, fertilizers, and growth stimulants is relevant for the scientific substantiation of efficient and resource-saving maize cultivation technologies. The article presents the results of three-year field studies (2023–2025) focused on evaluating the effects of hybrid characteristics, mineral nutrition systems, and the application of plant growth stimulants on maize grain yield under the conditions of the Western Forest- Steppe. The research was conducted on podzolized chernozem soils in the Khmelnytskyi region using the medium-early hybrid Pioneer P8834 and the medium-maturity hybrid KWS Oltenio. The experiment investigated basic mineral fertilization (Polyphoska 8:24:24), its combination with different rates of UAN (150 and 300 kg/ha), as well as the effectiveness of the growth stimulants Sterk BIO and AMINO. It was established that grain yield was significantly influenced by weather conditions during the study years, hybrid characteristics, and the intensity of the nutrition system. The lowest yield levels were recorded in the control treatments without growth stimulants, whereas their application provided a stable yield increase regardless of the mineral nutrition background. The greatest effect was observed in treatments with the AMINO growth stimulant. Increasing nitrogen supply through UAN application resulted in a significant increase in grain yield of both hybrids, with the highest values obtained at a UAN rate of 300 kg/ha combined with growth stimulants. The KWS Oltenio hybrid consistently outperformed Pioneer P8834 in grain yield across all experimental treatments, indicating its higher genetic yield potential. The obtained results demonstrate the positive effect of integrated nutrition systems and growth stimulants on maize hybrid productivity. The LSD₀.₀₅ values for factors A (hybrid), B (mineral nutrition), and C (growth stimulants) confirm the statistically significant effects of most studied factors and their interactions on grain yield.