Effect of Bacillus and foliar fertilization on maize yield quantity and quality

The aim of the study was to evaluate the response of maize to grain inoculation with a preparation containing Bacillus bacteria (Primseed Biom Zbo & zdot;a) and / or foliar fertilization of plants (Amino Ultra Kukurydza or Plonvit Kukurydza). A field experiment was carried out in the years 2020-2022 at the Experimental Station of the Podkarpackie Agricultural Advisory Center in Boguchwala, Podkarpackie Voivodeship, Poland. A single -factor experiment was performed in four replicates in a randomized block design. The experiment was established on medium soil with a slightly acidic pH and moderate humus content. The application of Bacillus was shown to significantly increase plant density after emergence and before harvest. Foliar fertilizers had a positive effect on plant nutritional status (SPAD - Soil Plant Analysis Development) compared to the control. Application of Bacillus together with foliar fertilization significantly increased the number of grains per ear and TSW. However, grain yield was mainly affected by foliar fertilizers (Amino Ultra Kukurydza or Plonvit Kukurydza). As a result of their application, the grain yield exceeded 10 t ha -1 , while in the control, it amounted to 9.7 t ha -1 . The application of only Plonvit Kukurydza fertilizer had the most favorable effect on the protein content in the grain and protein yield. On the other hand, the contents of Zn and Fe in the grain were the highest after the application of Amino Ultra Kukurydza fertilizer. The application of Primseed Biom Zbo & zdot;a had less pronounced effect than expected.