Combined effect of biofertilizers and chemical fertilizers on growth, yield potential of maize (Zea mays L.) varieties and economic benefits

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of biofertilizers, diammonium phosphate (DAP), and urea fertilizer treatments on maize growth, yield, and economic benefits. The experiment, carried out over two consecutive seasons in 2022, included five treatments: control without fertilizers (T1), biofertilizers only (T2), DAP + urea (T3), biofertilizers + DAP (T4), and biofertilizers + DAP + urea (T5), arranged in a randomized complete block design. Three maize varieties—UH5355, Longe 10H, and Longe 5—were evaluated. The results indicated that the combined application of biofertilizers + DAP + urea (T5) led to the highest plant height, leaf length, leaf width, stem girth, and grain yield. Among the varieties, Longe 5 showed optimal growth, while Longe 10H achieved the highest yield under the T5 treatment. The integration of biofertilizers with DAP and urea (T5) produced the best results in terms of maize growth and yield, although it incurred higher costs. However, compared to the use of DAP + urea alone, integrating biofertilizers helped reduce overall production costs while maintaining optimum yield. Therefore, adopting an integrated application of biofertilizer with DAP and urea fertilizers is recommended for achieving optimal maize yield.