Vol. 10, Special Issue 1, Part G (2026)

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season to evaluate the effect of balanced fertilization and biofertilizer application on phenological development and nutrient content of maize (Zea mays L.). The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design with five balanced fertilization treatments (NP, NPK, NPKS, NPKZn and NPKSZn) and four biofertilizer treatments (control, Azotobacter, Azotobacter + phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, and NPK consortia). Phenological parameters such as days to 50% tasseling and silking, along with nutrient content of grain and stover (N, P, K, S and Zn), were recorded and statistically analyzed.

Balanced fertilization significantly influenced crop phenology and nutrient content of maize. Application of NPK along with sulphur and zinc (NPKSZn) resulted in early attainment of 50% tasseling and silking compared to NP and NPK treatments. The same treatment recorded the highest nutrient content in grain and stover, with maximum nitrogen (1.74% and 0.638%), phosphorus (0.314% and 0.173%), potassium (0.52% and 1.393%), sulphur (0.176% and 0.109%) and zinc (26.45 and 20.29 mg kg⁻¹) content in grain and stover, respectively.

Biofertilizer application also significantly improved nutrient content of maize. Among the biofertilizers, NPK consortia and Azotobacter + PSB recorded higher N, P and K content in grain and stover over the control. However, the effect of biofertilizers on sulphur and zinc content was found to be non-significant. Overall, the combined application of balanced fertilization and biofertilizers proved effective in improving maize phenology and nutrient accumulation.