Zinc Biofortification through Biofertilizers, Foliar and Soil Application in Maize (Zea mays L.)

Aims: Here is clearly aim of study is to achieve the maximum grain yield and for improve the economic conditions of farmers. Study Design: The experiment was conducted in a split-plot design. Place and duration of study: The field experiment was conducted to study the effect of biofertilizers, foliar and soil application of zinc fertilizers in maize (Zea mays L.) at the research farm of the Khalsa College, Amritsar, Punjab (India) (31o63' N latitude, 74o83' E longitude and 234 m above sea level) during rainy seasons of 2018 and 2019. Methodology: The four levels of biofertilizers and foliar application as main plot [recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF: 150 kg nitrogen: 27.3 kg phosphorus: 25 kg K ha-1), RDF + Zn solubilizing bacteria (ZnSB), RDF + ZnSB + vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM) + 0.5% foliar ZnSO4.7H2O) at silking and early milk stage] and four subplot treatment of soil application of ZnSO4.7H2O @ 12, 25 and 50 kg/ha at the time of sowing along with no soil Zn control were evaluated in three replications. Results: Foliar application of zinc in addition to biofertilizers (ZnSB + VAM) produced significantly higher growth, yield and quality over control treatment. Soil application of zinc sulphate (50 kg ha-1) significantly improved growth, grain yield and Zn harvest index, Zn mobilization efficiency index and recovery efficiency over no Zn control treatment. The grain zinc content, zinc uptake and zinc use efficiencies were significantly maximum with the application of VAM + ZnSB along with 0.5% zinc sulphate foliar at silking and early milk stage than ZnSB, VAM and control treatment. Conclusion: Zn application of soil and foliar improved the growth, yield and quality parameters of maize.