Integrated application of granular and liquid bioorganic fertilizers improves corn productivity and soil fertility in light chestnut soils

Abstract. Karabayev K, Suleimenov B, Songulov Y, Akhmurzin U, Smanov A. 2025. Integrated application of granular and liquid bioorganic fertilizers improves corn productivity and soil fertility in light chestnut soils. Cell Biol Dev 9: 54-63. This study evaluated the effectiveness of integrated granular and liquid bioorganic fertilizers in enhancing soil fertility and corn (Zea mays) productivity on light chestnut soils in the Agopark Ontusik region. Field experiments were conducted using three rates of granular organic fertilizer (0, 1000, and 2000?kg?ha?¹) combined with four concentrations of a humic-based foliar biostimulant (0, 2, 4, and 6?mL?L?¹). Agronomic performance was assessed through vegetative traits, biomass accumulation, yield components, and grain productivity. Soil fertility parameters and economic profitability were also evaluated. The results showed that both fertilizer types significantly improved plant height, leaf area, and biomass, with the highest values recorded under the combined treatment of 2000?kg?ha?¹ + 6?mL?L?¹. Grain yield increased from 7.4?t/ha in the control to 13.5?t/ha in the best treatment. Available phosphorus (P?O?) in the topsoil rose from 14.0 to 26.0?mg/kg, while exchangeable potassium (K?O) declined due to high plant uptake. Economic analysis revealed that the most intensive treatment produced the highest net income (339,520 tenge/ha) and lowest cost per 100?kg of grain (2,519 tenge). Correlation analysis confirmed strong associations between biomass and yield, highlighting the importance of balanced nutrient supply. These findings demonstrate that bioorganic fertilization strategies are effective in restoring fertility and improving productivity on marginal soils, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional inputs in dryland cropping systems.