ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZA, AZOSPIRILLUM AND CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS APPLICATION TO BABY CORN (ZEA MAYS L.): EFFECTS ON PRODUCTIVITY, NUTRIENTS USE EFFICIENCY, ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY AND SOIL FERTILITY

The study was investigated at Agricultural Experimental Farm, Giridih, India during winter seasons of 2007-2008 and 2008-2009. Plants grown with 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) [nitrogen (N): phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5): potassium oxide (K2O) = 150:60:60kg ha(-1)] + AM + Azospirillum (T-15) produced maximum chlorophyll, baby cob, and green fodder yield. Root biomass was highest with application of 150% RDF + arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) + Azospirillum (T-16). Co-inoculated plants produced higher chlorophyll, root biomass resulted higher cob and green fodder yield. Biofertilizers supplied along with chemical fertilizers saved 70, 29, and 33kg N, P2O5 and K2O per hectare, respectively. Nutrient (NPK) uptake was greatest in T-15. Residual soil fertility in terms of NPK was recorded maximum in T-16. Although, co-inoculated plots built up higher residual soil fertility as compare to sole inoculation. Nutrients use efficiency and benefit cost ratio were higher due to application of 50% RDF with co-inoculants. T-16 was most costly whereas T-14 (50% RDF + AM + Azospirillum) was most beneficial.