P Uptake and Solubility, Growth Characteristics and the Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) Due to Phosphorhizobacteria and Organic Fertilizers in Acid Soil

Purpose : The use of phosphorhizobacteria and organic fertilizers can increase the P uptake and solubility as well as promote the growth and yield of maize in acid soil. The objective of the study was to evaluate of P fertilization efficiency by adding phosphorhizobacteria and organic fertilizers and to investigate its influence in the growth and yield of maize.

Research Method : The experiment was conducted at the experimental field of Center for Horticulture Seed and Plant Variety Development, West Java and Soil Biology Laboratory at the Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran. The factors of the experiment were: phosphorhizobacteria and organic fertilizers (control, phosphorhizobacteria 107 cfu/ mL, organic fertilizers 5 ton ha-1, combinations of phosphorhizobacteria 107 cfu/ mL + organic fertilizers 5 ton ha-1) and the level of inorganic P fertilization (0, 200, 180, 160, and 140 kg P ha-1) arranged as randomized block design factorial, consisting of 20 treatments and 3 replications.

Findings : The results showed that application of phosphorhizobacteria 107 cfu/ mL can increase P solubility up to 21.13 ppm. The interactions between phosphorhizobacteria 107 cfu/mL and organic fertilizers 5 ton ha-1 with 180 kg inorganic P ha-1 were capable to increase maize plant height by 183.07 cm which were measured at 14 weeks after planting. Applications of organic fertilizers 5 ton ha-1 and dosage of inorganic P fertilizers 160 kg ha-1 can escalate agronomic effectiveness up to 29.20%.

Limitations : Limited availability of historical data was a constraint during the study and that was avoided using data for a base year.

Originality / Value : It is better to conduct a study on nitrogen and potassium rhizobacteria and organic fertilizer in order to find out nitrogen and potassium fertilization efficiency for maize in acid soil because these evidence are useful to the farmer, trader and planners.