The Interaction Effect of Maize genotype ( Zea mays L.), Nitrogen fertilizers and Biofertilizer on iron availability in soil and its content in plants

Abstract

Field experiment conducted at fall season of 2013 on clayey soil at one of the Ministry of Agricultural research farms. This experiment aimed to study the effect of Nitrogen fertilizers and biofertilizer application on the two genotypes chosen from the 1st experiment (Shahed and Fajer) on iron availability in soil, its uptake by maize plants and yield of crop. The experiment was 3×2×2×3 reps representing three levels of nitrogen fertilizer (0 , 100 and 200 Kg N ha-1), two levels of biofertilizer (0 and 1Kg biofertilizer to 50 Kg seeds) and 2 genotypes. The Results revealed that Shahed was batter in dry matter yield , grain yield with an increment of 7.5 and 11.0 % than Fajer genotype. Iron availability in soil in the rhizosphere of studied soil (45 days) were 6.9 and 5.0 mg Fe Kg-1 for Shahed soil and Fajer respectively. Biofertilizer application as PGPB improved dry matter yield , grain yield and iron availability in soil by increment of 10.7% , 32% and 44.9% respectively, compared to no biofertilizer application. The rate of 200 Kg N ha-1 was the most superior rate which resulted in significantly increasing in dry weight , grain yield and iron availability in soil iron with an increment of 46.2 , 127.3 and 81.9% respectively.