Investigation of nitrogenous biological and chemical fertilizers interaction on quantitative and qualitative traits of sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) under delayed cropping

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of planting date, biofertilizers and nitrogen levels on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of sweet corn (Ksc403su hybride).

This experiment was conducted as a factorial in form of a randomized complete block design with three replications in Takestan during the two cropping years 2016-2017 and 2017-2017. Planting date as first factor in two levels: d1: usual planting date of the region (June 15), d2: delayed planting date (July 15), application of nitrogen fertilizer as second factor in two levels: n1: recommended amount of nitrogen (300 kg.ha-1) and n2: 20 percentage less than the recommended amount (240 kg.ha-1) and the use of bio-fertilizer as third factor at four levels: b1: no bacteria (control), b2: bio-super phosphate, b3: azotobacter + azospirillium + Pseudomonas and b4: azotobacter + bio-sporphosphate were considered.
 

The results showed that the treatment of Azotobacter + Azospirillium + Pseudomonas with an average of 22219.8 kg.ha-1 had the highest grain yield, which had a 19% increase in yield compared to the control treatment (no use). Also, Azotobacter + Azospirillium + Pseudomonas and Azotobacter + biosphere phosphate treatment at 300 kg.ha-1 Nitrogen showed an average grain yield of 2377 and 2279 kg.ha-1, respectively. In terms of consumption of 240 kg.ha-1 nitrogen, the same combination of treatments had the highest grain yield, which was relatively superior to non-use of biofertilizer even in application of 300 kg.ha-1 nitrogen conditions. The first planting date is suitable for seed production. 

The combined use of nitrogen and phosphate stabilizing biofertilizers can reduce nitrogen fertilizer application by up to 20% to achieve maximum yield.