Phosphorus influences the performance of mycorrhiza and organic manure in maize production

Abstract

Maize is an economically important crop that utilizes nutrients efficiently in the production of optimum biomass and grain yield per unit hectarage. Optimum maize production is, however, constrained by the absence or inadequate use of different sources of nutrients. Hence, this study evaluated the efficacy of mycorrhiza (Glomygel), single superphosphate (SSP), and liquid organic manure (Agriboom) on the performance of maize in a greenhouse study. These treatments were systematically combined with and without urea and muriate of potash (MOP), using split–plot arrangement, to enhance higher precision in evaluating their effects. Agriboom + 100%SSP significantly increased the root dry weight of maize at p ≤ .05 compared to Glomygel, Agriboom, and Glomygel + Agriboom. With the addition of urea and MOP, Glomygel + 50%SSP significantly increased the root to shoot dry weight ratio by 173%. Glomygel and Agriboom significantly increased maize N concentration and the application of Agriboom significantly increased P concentration. Expectedly, the inoculation of Glomygel alone significantly (p ≤ .05) increased the %AMF by 45%, while the addition of urea and MOP with Glomygel + 50%SSP only increased it by 12%. Independent applications of Glomygel, Agriboom, and their combinations significantly increased leaf chlorophyll index compared to the control. The chlorophyll index, root to shoot ratio, root and shoot dry weight were highly correlated. Dynamics of the treatments combination effects elicit that SSP positively influences the effects of Glomygel and Agriboom on maize performance. It is concluded that the use of mineral, organic, and biological sources of nutrients has a great potential in sustainable maize production.