Using Biofertilizers for Maize Production: Response and Economic Return Under Different Irrigation Treatments

Abstract

ABSTRACT With increasing concerns about the environment, better use of the natural resource base, less use of chemicals and efficient use of irrigation water have become increasingly important goals of sustainable agriculture in Egypt. A field trial was conducted for two years to evaluate the effect of biofertilizers on maize yield in rotation with wheat as affected by irrigation regime. Fertilization treatments were: control, full N fertilizer application rate (288 kg N/ha), fertilization with Azospirillum brasilense, Azospirillum brasilense + half the full rate (144 kg N/ha), commercial biofertilizer Cerealin and Cerealin + half the full rate (144 kg N/ha). The two irrigation treatments were I1 (100%) and I2 (75%) of depth of water determined using the Class A Pan method. An economic partial budget analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of different treatments on maize yield. Data obtained revealed that using Azospirillum brasilense or commercial biofertilizer Cerealin with half N rate (144 kg N/ha) resulted in a significant increase in yield. Class A Pan can be used as a prediction method for maize water requirements. Economically Cerealin with half the normal N application had an average higher net benefit, benefit/cost ratios and marginal rate of return values when compared to the other types of N-fertilizers, indicating the possibility of saving half of the N fertilizer applied to maize. Use of biofertilizers offers agronomic and environmental benefits for intensive agricultural systems such as those used in Egypt.