QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE EFFECTS OF SOME INORGANIC AND ORGANIC FERTILIZERS ON MAIZE (ZEA MAYSL.) UNDER ALLUVIAL SOIL

Abstract

Two field experiments were conducted at the Experimental Farm of Tag ElEzz , Dakahlia governorate (30° 59\\ N latitude, E 31° 58\\ longitude) ,ARC, Egypt during the two growing summer seasons of 2020 and 2021 as sake of studying the possibility of partially substituting for the amount of inorganic NPK fertilizers required for maize plants using compost and/or vermicompost and their effects on growth, yield and nutrients uptake of maize plants (Single cross 10 variety) under the alluvial soil conditions. Experiments were laid out in split plot design with three replicates. However, main plots were affected for four rates of inorganic NPK fertilizers i.e.; without, 50%, 75% and 100% of the recommended dose (RD)) whereas, four organic fertilizers namely without, compost (C); (5 ton fed-1), vermicompost (VC); (0.5 ton fed-1) as well as half compost and half vermicompost (mix)) were randomly distributed in the sub plots. Results showed that: 1Application of inorganic NPK fertilizers at 100% RD recorded the highest values of growth parameters, yield and nutrients uptake by maize grains in the two investigated seasons 2Using organic fertilizers i.e. compost and /or vermicompost caused a significant effect on all growth parameters, yield and nutrients uptake. In this respect, V.C. attained the superiority impacts followed by mix and lately C compared with control (without adding NPK fertilizers). 3The addition of inorganic NPK fertilizers at 100% RD and organic V.C. had positive impacts on maize growth parameters, yield and nutrients uptake better than the application of inorganic NPK fertilizers at 100% RD singly under the two investigated seasons. 4Dual application of inorganic NPK fertilizers at 100% RD and organic C treatment application achieved the highest values of available NPK in the soil post harvesting. 5Economically using inorganic NPK fertilizers at 75%RD and C recorded the highest net return and benefit cost ratio (BCR). So, it could be a good alternative to other treatments, save 25% of inorganic NPK fertilizers and viable option for enhancing crop yield and farmers income.