Effect of different biofertilizers and nitrogen levels on yield and yield attributes of maize (Zea mays L)

A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif season 2013 at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Allahabad School of Agriculture, SHIATS, Allahabad, UP to evaluate the response of different biofertilizers and nitrogen levels on yield of maize (Zea mays L). The experiment consisted of 12 treatments laid out in randomized block design with three replications. The treatments consisted of soil and seed inoculation of two biofertilizers viz Azotobacter and Azospirillum and three levels of nitrogen (100, 120 and 140 kg/ha) along with phosphorus and potash each at 60 kg/ha. NPK (140 + 60 + 60 kg/ha) + Azospirillum (soil inoculation) recorded maximum yield attributes namely number of cobs/plant (2.33), weight of cob (88.65 g), harvest index (41.27) and seed yield (2973.33 kg/ha) while NPK (140 + 60 + 60 kg/ha) + Azospirillum (seed inoculation) recorded maximum number of grains per row (36.00) and seed index (28.75) as compared to control. Nitrogen (140 kg/ha), phosphorus and potash (60 kg/ha each) along with seed/soil treatment with Azospirillum recorded higher plant growth parameters and yield attributes.