Synergistic organic-bio-mineral fertilization as a breakthrough strategy to maximize maize productivity in gypsiferous soils

Gypsiferous soils are characterized by low nutrient availability and structural limitations that often restrict crop productivity. Therefore, developing integrated nutrient-management strategies is essential to enhance plant performance under such challenging conditions. This study evaluated the efficiency of integrated fertilization with compost, biofertilizers and diammonium phosphate (DAP) in improving the growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) grown in gypsiferous soils under sprinkler irrigation. The field experiment was conducted during the 2024 growing season, using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 10 treatments (T1–T10) and 3 replications. Results showed that the integrated treatment combining compost, biofertilizers and DAP (T4) produced the tallest plants (163.4 cm), the largest flag leaf area (493.8 cm²) and the earliest flowering (55 days to 50 % male anthesis) compared with the control (128.9 cm, 404.3 cm² and 59.3 days, respectively). Moreover, this treatment recorded the highest yield components: 17.33 rows per cob, 195.5 g grain yield per plant and a total yield of 10.43 t ha-1, whereas the control recorded 14.33 rows per cob, 115.6 g per plant and 6.16 t ha-1. These findings confirm that integrating compost and biofertilizers with DAP represents a sustainable and efficient strategy to improve maize productivity in saline-gypsiferous soils under sprinkler irrigation.