ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to investigate the synergistic effect between inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense and nitrogen application, thus enabling a higher efficiency of nitrogen fertilization, as evaluated by nutritional value, components production, and grain yield of irrigated corn. The experiment was conducted in Selvíria, MS, Brazil, under a no-till system, on an Oxisol in the Brazilian Cerrado. The experiment was set up in a randomized block design with four replications, in a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement: four patterns of nitrogen application [application of 30 kg ha-1 of N at sowing and 150 kg ha-1 as cover (30 + 150); 30 kg ha-1 of N at sowing, split into two applications of 75 kg ha-1 as cover (30 + 75 + 75); 180 kg ha-1 of N at sowing (180); and 150 kg ha-1 of N at sowing and 30 kg ha-1 as cover (150 + 30)]; with and without inoculation of the seeds with A. brasilense. The application of 30 kg ha-1 of N at sowing and a single application of 150 kg ha-1 or two applications of 75 kg ha-1 in topdressing, inoculated with Azospirillum brasilense provided better nutrition and development, with a positive reflection on irrigated corn grain yield in the Brazilian Cerrado.
Key words:
Zea mays; biological nitrogen fixation in grasses; bacteria promoting of plant growth; nitrogen fertilization management
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