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Abstract

Among differrent environmental factors, drought stress and nutrients have the most effect on corn (Zea mays L.) yield. This study was conducted as a split-factorial in Randomaized Complete Block Design with four replications for two years. Drought treatments were composed of irrigation after soil water reached 70% (no stress) , 60% (medium stress), and 50% (high stress) of FC as the main factor and Zn(0, 10 and 20 kg/ha ZnSO4,7H2O) and P (0 and 150 kg/ha P2O5) as factorial factors in this design. The concentration of P, Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu were measured in flag leaves as well as seeds, and total absorption of these nutrients were assessed. Drought stress caused the concentration of different nutrients decrease in flag leaf, but increased in seed, because of decrease in seed yield with increasing drought stress. Total absorption of nutrients in seed was decreased. The concentration of phosphorus and zinc in flag leaves which was significantly increased by P and Zn application, had different effects on the concentration of other nutrient elements in flag leaves. Concentration of P and Zn increased in seed, but total absorption of these nutrients by seed was decreased due to decrease in seed yield with increase in phosphorus application above critical limits.

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