Effect of different sources, levels and methods of zinc application with bio inoculant on zinc transformation and soil chemical properties of maize in Alfisols

Abstract:

Zinc is a crucial micronutrient that serves an essential role in many biological processes. However, its insufficiency is prevalent in various global regions, particularly in developing nations where maize is a primary dietary staple. The purpose of this study was to investigate the “Effect of different sources, levels, and methods of zinc application with bio inoculant on zinc transformation and soil chemical properties of maize in Alfisols”. The field experiment was done with nine treatments replicated thriceusing a randomized block design during the Rabi season of 2021-22 at the College of Agriculture in Hassan, Karnataka. These treatments included NPK + foliar application of Nano Zn (2 ml L-1 and 4 ml L-1) and NPK + ZnSO4 (0.25 and 0.5 % at 45 DAS and silking stage), NPK + seed treatment of Zn solubilizer alone, and various combinations of soil application of ZnSO4 @ 5 and 10 kg ha-1, NPK + ZnSO4 @ 10 kg ha-1, and only NPK. Water soluble + exchangeable, organically complexed, manganese oxide bound, amorphous and crystalline sesquioxide bound zinc fractions, available nutrients (N, K2O, Ca, Mg, S, and Zn) and dehydrogenase activity were higher in NPK + soil application of ZnSO4 @ 10 kg ha-1 + Zn solubilizer at harvest. The use of zinc solubilizing bacteria represents a cost-effective and sustainable strategy for zinc supplementation where zinc deficiency in the soil is a common issue in many regions.