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Response of corn to the application of microbial consortium and its combination with biol, under dry tropic conditions
Author(s)
Díaz-Chuquizuta, Henry
Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria
Díaz-Chuquizuta, Percy
Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria
Date Issued
10 de mayo de 2024
Type
Article
Publisher
Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan
Volume
27
Issue
2
Series/Report No.
Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems
Contained in
Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems
ISSN
1870-0462
Abstract
Background: The utilization of organic fertilizers is put forward as an effective approach to address soil degradation and enhance crop yields. Objective: To assess the impact of applying microbial consortia, in combination with fermented liquid fertilizer (biol), on maize grain production, with a focus on fostering sustainable family farming in dry tropical conditions. Methodology: A randomized complete block design with three blocks and divided plots was employed, with the main plots featuring various maize cultivars, while the subplots consisted of four bioferments and a control treatment. The bioferments included Microbial Consortium (CM), BIOL+CM, and BIOL+EM-1, compared to the commercial product Efficient Microorganisms (EM-1) and a control with no application. Parameters such as days to male and female flowering, plant and ear height, leaf area, grain diameter, and yield, along with the physical and chemical soil characteristics, were evaluated following the bioferment application. Results: The application of BIOL+CM to the Marginal 28T variety resulted in increased plant height (164.17 cm) and cob size (65.83 cm), as well as a larger leaf area (361.17 cm²). It also enhanced the grain yield of the Marginal 28T variety (3.42 tꞏha-1) and the HS-1 hybrid (3.02 tꞏha-1). Implications: The combined use of locally-sourced microbial consortia and Biol significantly improves the agronomic performance of hard yellow corn and aids in maintaining the soil's physical and chemical conditions, thereby promoting its enhancement. Conclusion: The Marginal 28T variety and the HS-1 hybrid exhibited a favorable response to the application of microbial consortia, particularly BIOL+CM, making it a viable option for family farming in dry tropical conditions.