Potassium and Nitrogen Fertilization vs. Trace Element Content of Maize (Zea mays L.)

This research was conducted to study the impact of potassium and nitrogen fertilizers on the trace element content of maize (Zea mays L.). Higher doses of potassium fertilizer led to a linear increase in cadmium, lead, nickel, zinc, and manganese content, and to lower Fe:Zn and Fe:Mn ratios. Moreover, cobalt level increased in maize upon the lower doses and decreased upon the higher doses of potassium. The impact of potassium fertilizer on the levels of other elements (iron and chromium) in maize was determined by the fertilizer dose and, in particular, by the supply of additional nitrogen. Potassium fertilization led to a higher bioconcentration (BCFactor) of most of the trace elements in the aerial parts of maize. Nitrogen fertilization led to increased contents of manganese and iron, increased Fe:Zn and Fe:Mn ratios, and decreased contents of cadmium, lead, nickel, and cobalt in maize. Compared with potassium, nitrogen fertilization produced less consistent changes in bioconcentration factors for trace elements in the aerial parts of maize.