Integrated biofertilizer and inorganic fertilizer management for sustainable growth and yield improvement of hybrid maize (Zea mays L.)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31102/eam.3.1.67-78Keywords:
BISI-2 maize, biofertilizer, NPK fertilizer, PGPR, sustainable nutrient managementAbstract
The increasing demand for maize production requires fertilization strategies that improve crop productivity while reducing excessive dependence on inorganic fertilizers. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of integrated plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) biofertilizer and NPK inorganic fertilizer management on the growth and yield improvement of BISI-2 hybrid maize. The experiment was conducted from July to October 2022 under polybag cultivation conditions in Proppo Village, Pamekasan Regency, East Java, Indonesia, using a randomized block design with nine PGPR–NPK treatment combinations and three replications. PGPR was applied at 10, 20, and 30 ml L⁻¹, while NPK fertilizer was applied at 0, 1.49, and 2.24 g plant⁻¹. Growth parameters, including plant height and root number, were observed at 60 days after planting, while yield parameters, including cob diameter, cob length, seed weight per cob, and 100-seed weight, were measured at harvest. Integrated PGPR and NPK fertilization improved all observed growth and yield parameters, with PGPR 30 ml L⁻¹ + NPK 2.24 g plant⁻¹ producing the highest values in most traits. Notably, PGPR 30 ml L⁻¹ + NPK 1.49 g plant⁻¹ showed statistically comparable performance in several parameters, suggesting that this combination may serve as an efficient fertilization option for maintaining maize performance while reducing inorganic fertilizer input. These findings support integrated PGPR–NPK management as a practical strategy for improving BISI-2 hybrid maize productivity and nutrient management efficiency.
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