Effect of Bio-fertilization and Nano-silica on Maize Plant at New Valley

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Soil Fertility and Microbiology Department, Desert Research Center, Cairo, Egypt

2 Plant Production Department, Desert Research Center, Cairo, Egypt

Abstract

A FIELD experiment was carried out on maize at the New Valley to examine its response to some bio-fertilizers applied separately or with spray with Nano-silica K. The three bio-fertilizers are Azospirillum brasilense, Azospirillum lipoferum, and mycorrhiza, in addition to their interactions and a control treatment (without biofertilizer). All 16-combination treatments were arranged in split plot technique in three randomized complete blocks. The objective of this work was to examine the mutual influences of all applied treatments on some maize growth parameters. The treatment comprised of inoculation with ½ Azospirillum brasilense + ½ Azospirillum lipoferum + mycorrhiza + spraying of Nano silica—K proliferated the highest significant total bacterial counts, total Azospirillum brasilense, total Azospirillum lipoferum, total mycorrhizal counts, dehydrogenase activity, phosphatase enzyme, and root colonization by mycorrhiza in both years of study. Azospirillum lipoferum significantly showed better performance in all measured properties than Azospirillum brasilense. Spray of the aerial parts of maize plant with Nano-silica K could indirectly affect counts of biological inoculants in the soil under maize plants at the New Valley in both years of study. It can be recommended to add Nano-silica K to the rhizosphere to practice its direct influence on the activities of soil micro fauna.

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