Efficacy of seed, foliar and soil amendments for enhanced phenological growth of maize

The effect of industrially manufactured biological amendments (IMBAs) on maize crop growth was studied over three seasons (2006/07 to 2008/09) on sandy and clayey soil. The IMBAs were distinguished on the basis of their active ingredients consisting of effective microorganisms (EMs) (Biozone and Gliogrow), poultry manure (Gromor and Promis), humic acid (K-humate, Crop care and Montys) and their combinations, namely composted human manure + conventional NPK (Growmax) and EMs + humic acid (Lanbac). Treatments were arranged in a randomised complete block design with four replications. The IMBAs were applied based on recommended rates by manufacturers of these amendments. An optimum inorganic NPK rate at each site and untreated control were included as checks. The IMBAs showed inconsequential effects on investigated phenological maize growth traits compared to the NPK check in both soil types. The use of EMs-based IMBAs and the combination of EMs + humic acid resulted in significant increase in biomass yield and leaf area index at silking stage in both soil types. Plant stature from either EMs or humic acid-based IMBAs as well as Growmax was statistically comparable with the NPK check. Achieving improved phenological maize growth will require a combination of the IMBAs with conventional NPK fertiliser. © 2013 © 2013 Taylor & Francis.