Integrated effect of bio-organic andor nitrogen fertilizer on growth and yield of maize (Zea maize L.)‎

Abstract EN

A field experiment was carried out in 2013 and 2014 seasons at Etay El-Baroud Agricultural Research Station, to investigate the effect of biofertilizer (cerealin), organic fertilizer (cattle manure) at 20, 15, 10 and 5 m3/faddan and mineral nitrogen fertilizer at 100 (control), 75 and 50% of the recommended dose on growth, Net Assimilation Rate (NAR), Crop Growth Rate (CGR), chlorophyll content in leaves, yield components and chemical constituent (total carbohydrates, oil and protein content) of maize grains.

Significant differences were detected among different treatments where, addition of organic manure in combination with 50 or 75% mineral nitrogen increased most growth parameters (stalk dry weight, leaf area, leaf area index and specific leaf weight), yield attributes (ear length, grain weight/ ear and grain yield/ faddan and chlorophyll content (a+ b in first season) compared with 100% mineral nitrogen (control).

Also, total carbohydrates, oil and protein content in grains, significantly increased in the treatments included 75% mineral nitrogen plus 5 m3 cattle manure/faddan.

Crop growth rate (CGR) significantly affected by different treatments at growth stage 45-60 days in the second season.

Generally, inoculation of biofertilizer (cerealin) combined with 75% mineral nitrogen increased, equal or decrease slightly the growth and yield components of maize compared with 100% mineral nitrogen (control).

So, it seems that growth, yield and grain quality could be greatly improved through fertilizing maize plants with biofertilizer or organic manure combined with 50 or 75% of the recommended mineral nitrogen