Effects of integrated application of biological and chemical fertilizer and application method of biofertilizer on yield and yield components of maize

In order to study the effects of integrated application of bio- and chemical fertilizers and application method of biofertilizer on the yield and yield components of maize (Zea mays L.), an experiment was conducted in 2008 in Shushtar in a factorial arrangement with completely randomized block design with three replicates. Treatments were integrated application of biological and chemical fertilizers in four levels and biofertilizer application method in three levels. Results showed that the highest grain yield was obtained by application of biofertilizers + 50% chemical fertilizer (11.8 t/ha). The greatest and lowest harvest indices were recorded in chemical (0.59) and biofertilizer (0.47) treatments, respectively. Number of grain per row and row per ear had not significant differences in integrated and chemical treatments. Methods of biofertilizer application had not significant effect on maize yield and yield components. Results showed that biofertilizers increased P, K as well as other micro elements availability rather N fixation. Results revealed although replacing chemical fertilizers by biofertilizers reduced maize yield, integrated application of these sources produced highest grain yield as well as reduced substantially consumption of chemical fertilizer.