Effect of bacterial seed inoculation on nitrogen dynamics, number of bacteria in soil under maize, and maize yield

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the inoculation of maize seeds with mixtures of bacteria (Azotobacter chroococum, Azotobacter vinelandi, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus licheniformis) during different phenophases (6-7 leaves, silking and wax ripeness stage) and on the nitrogen dynamics, total number of microorganisms, number of azotobacter and aminoheterotrophs in Chernozem and grain yield of maize hybrid ZP 684 during 2006, 2007 and 2008. Nitrogen amount in soil was significantly higher in 2006, due to favourable meteorological conditions for microbial activity (higher total number of microorganisms and number of azotobacter), than in 2007 and 2008. The minimum amount of nitrogen was in the stage of wax ripeness although the total number of microorganisms, azotobacter and aminoheterotrophs were the largest. Seed inoculation of maize significantly increases the values of all studied parameters.