Effect of Phosphorus Biofertilizers along with Inorganic Fertilizers on Nutrient Content of Maize

Aim: To study the response of maize to phosphorus levels and phosphorus biofertilizers. Study Design: The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with nine treatments replicated thrice. Place and Duration of Study: Agricultural College Farm, Bapatla during kharif, 2019. Methodology: The experimental soil was slightly alkaline in reaction (7.63), medium in organic carbon (0.6 %), medium in available nitrogen (354 kg ha-1), high in available phosphorus (55.32 kg ha-1) and available potassium (402 kg ha-1).The treatments comprised of T1- Control ( without P ), T2 - 100% Recommended Dose of Phosphorus (RDP), T3 - 100% RDP + PSB @ 1 L ha-1, T4 - 100% RDP + VAM @ 12.5 kg ha-1, T5 - 75% RDP + PSB @ 1 L ha-1, T6 -75% RDP + VAM @ 12.5 kg ha-1, T7 – PSB @ 1 L ha-1, T8 –VAM @ 12.5 kg ha-1, T9 - PSB @ 1 L ha-1 + VAM @ 12.5 kg ha-1. The plant samples were analysed for N, P, K, S and micronutrients by the following standard methods. Results: The results of the experiment indicated that P, S and Zn were significantly influenced by the imposed treatments whereas N, K, Fe, Mn and Cu were not significantly influenced. The highest nutrient content was recorded in the treatment with the application of 100% RDP + VAM@ 12.5 kg ha-1 (T4). Conclusion: The combined application (inorganic fertilizer + biofertilizer) proved significantly superior over control and biofertilizers alone in improving the nutrient content in maize.