Effect of AMF Inoculation, Diazotrophic and Inorganic Fertilization and Biocide Application on the Yield of Corn (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

This study aims to determine the effect of seed treatment, N- fertilization, and herbicide application on the efficacy of Bio-N on corn ( Zea mays) productivity. The experimental design followed the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Analysis of variance was used. The effect of vesicular – arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (VAMF), N Fertilizer and Biocides on the efficacy of Bio-N on Corn productivity was studied under field conditions. Results showed potential benefits of these microbial biofertilizers with their combination with suboptimal and optimal amount of N fertilizer. Significant findings were revealed in terms of yield. Three fourth of the recommended rate of inorganic fertilizer with mykovam (T9) yielded 7895 kg/ha (7.895 MT) followed by ½ of the recommended rate of inorganic fertilizer without herbicide application (T19) with 7571 kg/ha (7.571 MT) which are very near to the potential economic yield of 8 tons per hectare. The effect of biocides is not straightforward. On rhizosphere species biodiversity, the study revealed that native microorganisms were not affected. Results showed potential benefits among small corn growers, subject to further investigation on local and regional adaptation on varietals responses of corn. The results obtained in this study will establish an information base that may be useful for the Department of Agriculture in their research about varietal performance for corn and on rhizosphere studies. Keywords - biofertilizer, BioN, diazotrophic, mycorrhiza, VAMF, biofertilizers, corn, field experiment, Ilagan, Isabela, Philippines