Effect of Azotobacter Inoculation in Association with Other Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea Mays) Varieties in Nawalpur, Nepal

The existing practice of using excessive mineral fertilizers for maize production not only degrades the soil quality but also poses a threat to the overall ecosystem. Thus, in our research, we attempt to investigate the influence of biofertilizers on yield and yield attributing traits of maize, as a better, alternative, cheaper, eco-friendly, and sustainable solution. A two-factorial field experiment (RCBD) was carried out in Gaindakot, Ward No. 8, Nawalpur district, to assess the effect of Azotobacter in association with other fertilizers on the growth and yield of different maize varieties. The experiment consisted of 15 treatments (3 maize varieties and 5 different nutrient sources) with 3 replications. The three maize varieties used were Local Pahelo, Rampur Composite, and Rampur Hybrid-14, while the nutrient sources included Control, Farmyard Manure (FYM) only, Azotobacter-inoculated seeds, Azotobacter + FYM, and Azotobacter + chemical fertilizers (NPK). The results obtained revealed that the optimum performance was observed in Rampur Hybrid-14 with the nutrient source being Azotobacter inoculation in combination with FYM, resulting in a Leaf Area Index (LAI) of 0.39, 15 leaves, a grain yield of 8.41 tons per hectare, dry stover weight of 0.964 kg per meter square and a root length of 32.33 cm. The results demonstrated that the use of Azotobacter in combination with FYM in the Rampur Hybrid-14 variety could result in higher yields in commercial maize production, reducing the need for excessive mineral fertilizers.