Co-Authors:
Fallik, E., ARO-The Volcani Centre, Dept. Postharvest Sci. Fresh Produce, Bet-Dagan 50250, Israel
Okon, Y., Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Faculty of Agriculture, Dept. Plant Pathol. and Microbiol., Rehovot 76100, Israel
Abstract:
Application of a peat-based powder inoculant of Azospirillum brasilense, as well as a granular inoculant (each containing 0.5-1.0 x 107 Azospirillum/g moist peat), in the seed furrows of Zea mays resulted in significantly increased yields (11 to 14%) in light soils at low rates of N fertilization. In general, there was no effect of inoculation on plant yields in heavier soils nor when N fertilization was high. Pro-emergence application of granular inoculant and inoculation associated with irrigation were more efficient in increasing yield than inoculation post-emergence or seed coating.