Journal of Microbial & Biochemical Technology

Abstract

Phenology, Growth and Biomass Yield Response of Maize (Zea mays L.) to Integrated Use of Animal Manures and Phosphorus Application With and Without Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria

Amanullah and Shah Khalid

Phosphorus (P) unavailability and lack of organic matter under calcareous soils in semiarid climates are the major reasons for low crop productivity. Field experiment was conducted to investigate impact of P levels (40, 80, 120 and 160 kg P ha-1) and animal manures (poultry, cattle and sheep manures) with (+) and without (-) phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) on phenological development, growth, and biomass yield of hybrid maize “CS-200”. The experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Research Farm of The University of Agriculture Peshawar, during summer 2014. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with split plot arrangement, using three replications. Among the animal manures (AM), application of poultry manure was found to delayed phenological development (days to tasseling, silking and physiological maturity), improved growth (taller plants, higher mean single leaf area and leaf area index), and produced the highest biomass yield (poultry>sheep>cattle manures). Application of P at the rate of 120 kg ha-1 was found almost comparable to the highest P rate (120 kg ha-1) but was more beneficial in terms of better growth and higher biomass yield than other P levels (120 ≥ 160>80>40 kg P ha-1). The plots with (+) and without (-) PSB showed no differences in phenological development of maize. The plots with PSB (+) produced significantly taller plants with higher mean single leaf area and leaf area index and produced the highest biomass yield. We concluded from these results that combined application of 120 kg ha-1 and poultry manure along with seed treatment with PSB improve growth and total biomass of hybrid maize in the study area.