Investigating Effect of Growth Promoting Bacteria and Nitrogen Fertilizer on Qualitative and Quantitative Traits of Zea Mays L. Hybrids

Abstract

Fertilizer management plays an important role in obtaining satisfactory yields from maize. In addition, fertilizer management is essential for achieving sustainable agriculture and protecting the environment. This research was conducted by split plot experiment based on randomized complete block design with four replications. Main factor was integrated with chemical and biological fertilizers in four levels that included 100, 75, 50, 25% quantities of nitrogen and phosphorus chemical fertilizers and with zero and 100% of biological fertilizers. Sub factor was three types of maize hybrids including Single cross 704, Single cross Karon 701 (SLD 45/1/2-1× MO17), Single cross Mobin (SLD 45/1/2-1× SLH 2/29/14/2-4/1). Analysis of variance indicated effect of fertilizer on all measured traits instead seed oil percentage and chlorophyll index was significant but effect of hybrids on all traits instead seed protein percentage was not significant. Interaction effect of treatments on seed yield, seed protein percentage and seed oil percentage was significant at 5% and 1% probability level, respectively. According result of mean comparison effect of different level of fertilizer treatment of 50% chemical fertilizer + 100% bio-fertilizer had highest amount of Biological yield (26.49 t.ha^-1), harvest index (56.71%), protein yield (1.19 t.ha^-1), oil yield (1.18 t.ha^-1), and chlorophyll index (53.04), although hybrid SC.704 by 50% Chemical fertilizer + 100% bio-fertilizer had higher seed yield (15.14 t.ha^-1), seed protein percentage (9.98%) and seed oil percentage (9.48%). Finally according result of this research use up biological fertilizers with half the recommended amount of chemical fertilizers is the greatest help towards sustainable agriculture.