Total Phosphorus and Phytate Phosphorus Content in Grain Maize (Zea Mays)

Abstract

The aim of this work was to analyse the total and phytate phosphorus contents of grain maize varieties from three Central German locations, since these are important factors for the availability of P. For all 100 tested maize samples the total phosphorus content of 3.41 g/kg DM and a phytate phosphorus content of 2.63 g/kg DM and the ratio phytate/total phosphorus of 77 % were determined. Also, it was to be established whether the total and phytate phosphorus contents are influenced by variety, location, climate or maturity group. While a statistically significant influence of varieties on the total and phytate phosphorus contents could not be proved, it was possible to detect statistically significant differences between the total and phytate phosphorus contents among the varieties of the early and medium early maturity groups. One could notice a statistically significant influence of the location on total phosphorus and phytate phosphorus contents. The crop years had also got a significant influence.