Plant residues, beneficial microbes and integrated phosphorus management for improving hybrid maize (Zea mays L.) growth and total biomass

Phosphorus (P) unavailability and lack of organic matter in calcareous soils semiarid climates are the major reasons for low crop productivity. This field experiment was conducted at Agronomy Research Farm The University Agriculture Peshawar, during summer 2015 to investigate impact plant residues (PR) (faba bean, garlic paper mulberry residues) phosphorous sources [(60 120kg ha-1) from single super phosphate (SSP) poultry manure (PM)] with (+) without (-) solubilizing bacteria (PSB) on phenological development, growth biomass yield hybrid maize “CS-200”. Among PR, application faba bean residue found delay development (days tasseling, silking physiological maturity), improved (taller plants, higher leaf area per index) produced highest bean>garlic>paper residues). Application P rate ha-1 inorganic source more beneficial terms better (120-SSP≥120-PM>60-SSP>60-PM kg ha-1). plots PSB showed enhanced significantly taller plants index yield. On basis these results we concluded that residues, phosphorus either or inoculation seed total study area.