Effect of N, P, K and Zn fertilization on first cutting yield and quality of Zea mexicana

A pot experiment was conducted to determine the effect of N, P, K and Zn application on the first cutting yield and nutrient quality of Zea mexicana. The results of this study showed that nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and zinc fertilizers significantly increased the first cutting fresh yield and hay (leaf + stem sheath) yield of Z.mexicana by 7.00%～39.08% and 6.02%～37.94%. The increase in yield of Z.mexicana caused by nitrogen fertilizer was greater than that caused by phosphate and potassium fertilizer. The nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and zinc fertilizers also significantly increased crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber and crude ash's content. The crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber's content of leaves were greater than that of stem and sheath. The positive effectiveness of nitrogen fertilizer on Z.mexicana quality was greater than that of phosphate and potassium fertilizer on Z.mexicana quality. This study also indicated that zinc fertilizers contributed to improve the yield and nutritional quality of Z.mexicana. This study suggested that nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and zinc fertilizers fertilization could increase the yield of Z.mexicana and improve nutritional quality of Z.mexicana.