Effect of seed inoculation of zinc and iron solubilizing bacteria on growth, yield and nutrient uptake by maize

This study was accomplished at Wheat and Maize Research Unit, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani during Kharif season 2021. It was intended to be deliberate the effect of zinc and iron solubilizing bacteria on growth, yield and nutrient uptake in maize crop. The presence of zinc and iron solubilizing bacteria with ZnSO4 and FeSO4 resulted in significantly increases growth, yield and nutrient uptake. The plant height and leaf area were found significantly maximum at tasseling and harvest stage of maize crop was recorded in T7 (RDF + 30 kg ha-1 ZnSO4 + 30 kg ha-1 FeSO4 + seed inoculation of Zn and Fe solubilizers) treatment compared with the control. The Significantly higher grain yield (5143.00 kg ha-1), straw yield (9877.00 kg ha-1) and uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu) in maize with treatment T7 i.e. RDF + 30 kg ha-1 ZnSO4 + 30 kg ha-1 FeSO4 + seed inoculation of Zn and Fe solubilizers over other treatments. The results of the present study suggested that zinc and iron solubilizing bacteria have a great potential to increase the growth and yield and suggested in order to promote growth and development on maize cultivation.