Efficasy of azotobactor in maize production in acid soils of Rampur, Chitawan [printed text] / Adhikary, Bishnu H., Author ; Shrestha, J., Author ; B.R. Baral, Author . - 2011.
In: IAAS Pl.Breeding J.2011 (6): 36-41,2011.
Languages : English (eng)

Keywords:

Azotobactor;  compost;  maize  grain  yield;  NPK  fertilizers

Abstract:

Azotobactor, artificially prepared inoculum (bio-fertilizer) could help increase maize productivity when applied in combination with compost and NPK fertilizers. In order to evaluate the effect of Azotobactor on maize (Zea mays L.) growth and grain production, experiments were carried out in the acidic soils (5.3 pH) of National Maize Research Programme (NMRP), Rampur, Chitwan during the year 2008 and 09. Rampur Composite variety was planted with a spacing of 75 cm x 25 cm at a plot size of 12 m2. Results revealed that maize growth (plant height, ear height, ear length and stover yield) were observed to be significantly affected by the use of Azotobactor applied alone or in combination with compost and NPK fertilizers. Highest stover yield (11.04 t/ha) was recorded when the soil was inoculated with Azotobactor along with 10 t /ha of compost and NPK fertilizers at 120:60:40 kg /ha followed by the similar level of NPK fertilizers and Azotobactor without compost application (10.63 t/ha); however non significant difference was observed in stover production among them and with crops fertilized with NPK fertilizers alone (LSD 0.05= 2.18 t /ha). Non-significant effect of treatments was observed on the production of kernel rows and kernel production in the ear rows. On the other hand, the effect of treatments on 1000 grain weight was observed to be significant. Highest 1000 grain weight (493.0 g) was recorded with the crop inoculated with the Azotobactor (soil application) applied along with compost and NPK fertilizers. Application of NPK fertilizers alone produced only 437.6 g of grains. Similar trend was observed in grain yield production also. Highest grain yield (6.62 t/ha) was recorded when Azotobactor (soil application) along with 10 t/ha of compost and 120:60:40 kg N, P2O5 and K2O /ha was applied followed by the similar dose of NPK and Azotobactor but without compost (6.38 t/ha). Fertilization with NPK alone produced only 6.30 t/ha of grains. Lowest grain yield was recorded in the control plot (2.91 t/ha). Correlation between 1000 grain weight and grain yield was observed to be positively correlated (r=0.856).Results of this experiment revealed that inoculation with Azotobactor in maize production was found significantly non-benificial when applied along with NPK fertilizers. It is suggested to apply Azotobactor (soil application or seed inoculation) for increased maize productivity in areas where recommended dose of fertilizers (120:60: 40 kg NPK /ha) could not be supplied because of their unavailability or higher price.