Alternative Starter Fertilization Strategies in Maize (Zea mays L.) Cultivation: Agronomic Potential of Microgranular Fertilizer and Plant Growth-Promoting Microorganisms and Their Impact on the Soil Native Microbial Community

Abstract

Phosphorous (P) starter fertilization can increase maize (Zea mays L.) yield. Widespread application in soils with sufficient P availability leads to environmental risks. Subsequently, alternative strategies to support the maize plant’s early development are needed to lower P surpluses. Here, we conducted field experiments comparing standard starter fertilizer diammonium phosphate (DAP) (20.1 kg P ha−1) to microgranular fertilizer (MG) (2.4 kg P ha−1) and combined in-furrow inoculation with Bacillus atrophaeus and mycorrhizal fungi (Rhizoglomus irregulare, Funneliformis mosseae, and Funneliformis caledonium), alone and in combination. The soil microbial community inside and between the maize rows was monitored by quantitative PCR (qPCR)-based quantification of eight fungal and bacterial groups. The yield did not vary between fertilization with DAP or MG and no fertilizer control. The combined microorganism inoculum (MO), however, enhanced the yield by 4.2%. The soil microbial community composition was not affected by the MO application. However, on one field site and inside the rows, it leads to a significant increase in overall microbial gene copy numbers by 9.3% and a significant decrease in the relative abundance of the bacterial phylum of Bacillota (Firmicutes) by 18%. The in-furrow MO application is thus a promising option for starter fertilizer replacement.

Effects of Nitrogen Reduction at Different Growth Stages on Maize Water and Nitrogen Utilization under Shallow Buried Drip Fertigated Irrigation

“…To increase the yield or maintain a stable yield while reducing nitrogen fertilizer application and improving efficiency in crops, other control measures are often required, such as increasing the fertilizer level or different fertilizer blends [14,15], increasing drip irrigation water fertilizer integration to reduce nitrogen application [16], the synergy of water nitrogen coupling to reduce nitrogen application [17][18][19], and straw returning to the field with nitrogen reduction regulation [20,21]. In order to improve the soil ecological environment and increase the corn yield, some scholars have also used micro-particle fertilizers, plant-growth-promoting microorganisms, mycorrhizal fungi, and biostimulants to replace diammonium phosphate or starting fertilizers [22][23][24].…”