Is It Possible to Replace Part of the Mineral Nitrogen Dose in Maize for Grain by Using Growth Activators and Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria?

Abstract

The European Green Deal presented by the European Commission aims to reduce nutrient losses by at least 50% while preventing the deterioration of soil fertility and reducing the use of fertilizers by at least 20% by 2030. Farmers in the EU must prepare for this. Studies carried out in several locations in Poland in 2017–2019 tested the possibility of replacing 30–40% of the dose of mineral nitrogen by Penergetic (K + P) growth activators alone and in combination with Azoter containing plant growth promoting rhizobacteria in the cultivation of maize for grain. It was confirmed that the two combinations allowed a higher yield of maize grain by 2.9% and 8.8%, respectively, compared to the full nitrogen dose. Positive changes in the content of some assimilable macro- and microelements and soil organic carbon (SOC), and an increase in soil pH, were also observed.