Effect of application of mycorrhiza and surfactant on forage characteristics of maize (Zea mays L.) under deficit irrigation

In order to investigate the effect of mycorrhiza and surfactant on forage characteristics of corn (Zea mays L.) under deficit irrigation condition, a split plot factorial experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replication at the Research Farm of Agricultural College, Shahed University, Iran in 2016. The experimental treatments included irrigation at three levels of 30, 60 and 90 percent available soil water depilation as a main factor and inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi (Glomus etunicatum, G. intraradices and G. mossea) at two levels (inoculation and no inoculation with mycorrhizal) and treatment of surfactant solution containing two levels (Application of surfactant and non-use of surfactant solution) as sub factors. Results showed that with increasing depletion of available soil water, application of mycorrhizal fungi increased crude protein percentage (CP), water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) and acid detergent fibre (ADF), increased by 39.24, 30.64 and 39 percent respectively. Application of surfactant on percentage NDF was not significant. As deficit irrigation stress increased, dry weight of forage decreased and highest dry weight of forage (400 gr/plant) was observed under normal irrigation conditions and application of surfactant and mycorrhiza. The results also showed that by increasing the amount of available water discharge, application of surfactant and inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi increased water use efficiency 97 percent in compare to control.