Some Agro-Physiological Indices, Grain Yield Components and Yield of Field-Grown Maize in Response to Mycorrhiza and Phosphorus Fertilizer

Mycorrhizal fungi can be integrated in soil management to achieve low-cost sustainable agricultural systems. Hence, the effects of non-using (M1) and using (M2) of mycorrhizal fungi on reduction of phosphate fertilizer consumption, growth and yield of maize under different levels of phosphate fertilizer (P1: zero, P2: 20, P3: 40, P4: 60, P5: 80 and P6: 100% recommended) were investigated in a factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The effect of phosphorus on all traits was significant. The effect of mycorrhiza on all traits (except ear length was) significant. Maximum number of grains per row (28.67) and plant height (214.75 cm) were obtained at treatments of P6 and P5, respectively, and minimum values of these traits were achieved at P1 treatment. Furthermore, the effect of M×P interaction on LAI, CGR, ear length, number of seed rows per ear, 100-seed weight, grain and biological yield was significant. The greatest LAI, CGR, ear length, number of seed rows per ear, 100-seed weight, grain yield and biological yield were obtained with M2P3 treatment and the smallest of these traits were detected with M1P1 treatment. Therefore, M2P3 treatment may be recommended for achieving the maximum maize grain yield.