12. Integrated application of phosphorus (P) and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) improve maize yield
Abstract
Phosphorous deficiency in soils has become the prominent limiting factor for plant and root growth. A field experiment was laid out at theagronomic researchfarm of Department of Agriculture, University of Swabi to assess the response of maize to P rates (60, 90 and 120 Kg P2O5 ha-1) and PSB (with and without PSB). Two factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications was used for this experiment. With the increasing P from 60 to 120 Kg P2O5 ha-1 both with and without PSB inoculation plant height, 1000 grains weight, grain and biological yield were significantly increased. Similarly, PSB inoculation (on average) meaningfully increased plant height, 1000 grains weight, grain and biological yield by 11, 1, 10 and 6% respectively, at all P level compared to un-inoculated control. Significant interactive effect of PSB and P over mentioned yield attributes exhibited that PSB application can reduce dependence on chemical P fertilizer up to 30 Kg P2O5 ha-1 when P is applied from SSP. Thus it may be suggested that PSB should be applied with 90 Kg P2O5 ha-1 chemical P fertilizer for efficient P utilization and profitable crop yield.
Keywords: Grain yield; Maize; Phosphorus; Phosphate solubilizing bacteria
