Determination Effect of Mycorrhiza and Vermicompost on Accumulation of Seed Nutrient Elements in Maize (<i> Zea mays </i> L.) Affected by Chemical Fertilizer

Abstract

<strong>BACKGROUND:</strong> Nutrient management is one of the most important factors that affect the growth and production of maize.<br /> <strong>OBJECTIVES:</strong> Current research was conducted to investigate the effect of Mycorrhizas and vermicompost on seed yield, its components and quantities traits such as concentration of protein, starch, zinc, potassium and nitrogen of corn seed.<br /> <strong>METHODS:</strong> Current research was conducted via split split-plot arrangement based on randomized complete block design with three replications during the 2016-2017. Main plot included of chemical fertilizer at four level (Control, 33, 66 and 100%) also vermicompost at tow level (nonuse and use of vermicompost) belonged to subplot and mycorrhiza (nonuse and use of mycorrhiza) as a sub-subplot.<br /> <strong>RESULT:</strong> Interaction effect of chemical fertilizer × vermicompost × mycorrhiza had a significant effect on zinc, nitrogen, potassium, starch and protein content. The highest seed yield and its components were obtained from interaction effects of 66% chemical fertilizer × vermicompost × mycorrhiza and the lowest one was for 33% chemical fertilizer × nonuse of vermicompost × nonuse of mycorrhiza, respectively. The highest zinc, nitrogen, potassium, starch, and protein in seed were obtained from interaction effects of 66% chemical fertilizer × vermicompost × mycorrhiza and the least yield and its components obtained from in 33% chemical fertilizer × without of using of vermicompost × nonuse of mycorrhiza, respectively. Vermicompost and mycorrhiza had a positive affect on seed yield and seed quality and seed nutrients had a better status in presence of vermicompost and mycorrhiza. Use of vermicompost and mycorrhiza with fertilizer levels significantly increased nutrient elements uptake, due to the added supply of nutrient and well-developed root system resulting in better absorption of water and nutrient.<br /> <strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> The combined application of mycorrhiza and vermicompost fungi increased yield, its components and increases the absorption of food by the root and ultimately improves growth and nutrient transfer to seed.