The impact of 11 strains of plant growth-promoting bacteria on the growth and yield of maize in relation to NPK fertilizer.

ABSTRACT

Maize (Zea mays L.) production contributes to food security and income generation for many farmers, but productivity is constrained by soil infertility, with potassium (K) deficiency partly accounting for the huge gap between potential and actual yields. The over use of chemical fertilizer has also helped to destroy the soil structure caused pollution and the dead of many animals species.This study was aimed at evaluating the impact or effectiveness of the 11 strains of individual plant growth promoting bacteria on the growth performance and yield of maize in relation to NPK fertilizer. The experiment was carried out on the volcanic soils of the University of Buea in Cameroon. The experiment was setup as randomized complete block design with 16 treatments replicated four times Each experimental unit measured  4 x 4 m. experimental units and replicates were separated  by 1 m with 2 m  The maize seeds weretreated with the bacteria before planting and after one month the young plant  sprayed with the plant growth promoting bacteria. At the end of the project it was observed that the treatment of maize with the plant growth promoting bacteria increased vegetative parameters and reduced pest infestation as compared to control.