Impact of Phosphorus Solubilizing Microorganisms and Inorganic Sources of Phosphorus on Plant Dry Matter and Yield Attributes of Maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

The present study was conducted at the Instructional Farm of Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur, during the kharif seasons of 2024 and 2025 to evaluate the effects of phosphorus-solubilising microorganisms (PSMs) and inorganic phosphorus sources on plant dry matter and yield attributes of maize. The experiment was laid out in a randomised block design comprising 12 treatment combinations with three replications. The recorded attributes included plant dry matter, number of cobs per plant, number of grains per cob and seed index. The combined application of PSMs and inorganic phosphorus sources significantly increased plant dry matter, the number of grains per cob and the seed index compared with the control, whereas the number of cobs per plant was not significantly affected. Enhanced phosphorus availability through microbial inoculants, together with an adequate supply of inorganic phosphorus, promoted root development, nutrient uptake and photosynthetic activity, resulting in improved reproductive growth and grain formation. The highest values for plant dry matter and the significant yield attributes were recorded under the integrated application of PSMs with the recommended dose of phosphorus fertiliser. The findings indicate that integrating phosphorus-solubilising microorganisms with inorganic phosphorus sources can support maize productivity under the conditions of the study. This integrated approach may improve phosphorus availability and the efficiency of phosphorus nutrition while maintaining the measured yield attributes.