Impact of Biofertilizers and Inorganic Fertilizers on Micronutrient Content and Uptake of Maize (Zea mays L)
S. Janardhan *
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural College, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh-522 101, India.
P.R.K. Prasad
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural College, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh-522 101, India.
P. Venkatasubbaiah
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural College, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh-522 101, India.
D. Ramesh
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural College, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh-522 101, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the effect of fertilizers mixed with biofertilizers on maize crop micronutrient uptake. The study was conducted on clay loam soils at Agriculture College Farm, Bapatla, during both kharif 2020 and 2021. The results indicated that application of 100% RDF +VAM + Azospirillum + PSB recorded highest micronutrient content and lowest recorded with the control, but non-significantly influenced by the imposed treatments at kneehigh, tasseling and harvest stage (straw and grain) of maize crop. The application of 100% RDF +VAM + Azospirillum + PSB recorded significantly (P<0.05) highest iron, manganese, copper and zinc uptake at kneehigh, tasseling and harvest stage of maize crop. The results revealed that application of biofertilizers along with inorganic fertilizers significantly increased plant nutrient content and uptake of maize crop. In conclusion, the study suggested that integrated use of biofertilizers and inorganic fertilizers improves the nutrient content and uptake of maize crop.
Keywords: Biofertilizers, fertilizer levels, micronutrient content, uptake