ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZA,AZOSPIRILLUM AND CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS APPLICATION TO BABY CORN (ZEA MAYS L.): EFFECTS ON PRODUCTIVITY,NUTRIENTS USE EFFICIENCY,ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY AND SOIL FERTILITY

The study was investigated at Agricultural Experimental Farm, Giridih, India during winter seasons of 2007–2008 and 2008–2009. Plants grown with 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) [nitrogen (N): phosphorus pentoxide (P₂O₅): potassium oxide (K₂O) = 150:60:60 kg ha^?1] + AM + Azospirillum (T₁₅) produced maximum chlorophyll, baby cob, and green fodder yield. Root biomass was highest with application of 150% RDF + arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) + Azospirillum (T₁₆). Co-inoculated plants produced higher chlorophyll, root biomass resulted higher cob and green fodder yield. Biofertilizers supplied along with chemical fertilizers saved 70, 29, and 33 kg N, P₂O₅ and K₂O per hectare, respectively. Nutrient (NPK) uptake was greatest in T_15. Residual soil fertility in terms of NPK was recorded maximum in T_16. Although, co-inoculated plots built up higher residual soil fertility as compare to sole inoculation. Nutrients use efficiency and benefit cost ratio were higher due to application of 50% RDF with co-inoculants. T₁₆ was most costly whereas T₁₄ (50% RDF + AM + Azospirillum) was most beneficial.