Synergistic effect of nutrient fertilizer and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on maize growth and grain yield in central northern Tanzania
Paper Details
Synergistic effect of nutrient fertilizer and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on maize growth and grain yield in central northern Tanzania
Abstract
This study explored the synergistic effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and nutrient fertilizer resources (organic fertilizer (cattle manure) and inorganic fertilizer (NPK) on maize plant growth and grain yield in central-northern Tanzania, emphasizing their potential in nutrient-limited environments. The AMF on the Tanzania maize variety (TMV1) in two experiments. The first experiment was conducted in a screen house to identify the most effective AMF formulation, using 81 pots with two seeds sown per pot and three AMF treatments, with cattle manure applied at the rate of 0.04375 kg per pot and 0.5 kg per hole in open field. The second experiment occurred in the field setting in a randomized complete block design with AMF, NPK, and cattle manure combinations as treatments. Each treatment plot measured 3 × 3 m, with appropriate spacing and weekly irrigation maintained throughout the season. Data on plant height, stem girth, and leaf length were collected during the second and third months to assess treatment impacts. Over four weeks, treatments that combined AMF with cattle manure significantly enhanced key maize growth parameters, including plant height, stem girth, and leaf length. Treatment T5 (mycorrhiza 2 with cattle manure) exhibited the most substantial increases among the treatments. Monthly evaluations revealed that treatment T2 (AMF 2 combined with NPK) resulted in maize plants with remarkable heights of 188.44 cm, while T1 (AMF 1 with NPK) enhanced leaf length. Additionally, treatment T4 showed significant dry matter retention, highlighting the effectiveness of these combined nutrient strategies. The findings suggest that integrating AMF with organic and inorganic fertilizers can optimize maize yield, and offer a sustainable strategy for smallholder farmers in Tanzania to enhance productivity in the face of nutrient challenges.
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Hussein Ninga Qwaray, Mashamba Philipo, Akida Meya (2025), Synergistic effect of nutrient fertilizer and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on maize growth and grain yield in central northern Tanzania; IJB, V26, N2, February, P56-65
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