Use of active microorganisms of the Pseudomonas genus during cultivation of maize in field conditions

Abstract

The aim of this research is to estimate the influence of a bioeffector (BE) application on dry matter yield and nutrient content (P, K, Ca, Mg, S) in maize (Zea mays L.). Between 2014 and 2016, a field experiment with silage maize as a testing plant was realized on sandy loam Cambisol. The application of Pseudomonas sp. in combination with phosphorus (rock phosphate (RP) or triple superphosphate (TSP)) and nitrogen fertilizers (ammonium nitrate with urea, ammonium nitrate with limestone, calcium nitrate or ammonium sulfate with a nitrification inhibitor) and with different application strategies was studied. The effects of a bioeffector application on the increase of dry matter yields were not confirmed. An important influence on the BE application and its activity was probably those of soil and site conditions and competition of the researched microorganisms with other present microorganisms. Higher yields of dry matter were shown in treatments where P fertilizers were applied. There was almost no difference between the application of RP and TSP. This could be caused by the fact that the soil had a slightly acidic pH value. In this case, the RP showed similar results to the TSP. The application of bioeffector significantly increased Mg, K and S contents in maize above-ground biomass. An increase of the Ca content was almost significant and a tendency towards a higher average content of phosphorus was also recorded.