Effect of Mineral and Bio-Nitrogen Fertilization on Maize (Zea mays L.), some Soil Properties and Subsequent Wheat (Triticum aestivum, L.) Yield

Two field experiments were conducted at El-Serw Agricultural Research Station, Damietta Governorate through summer season 2013 and winter season 2013-2014 at the same location. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of N bio-fertilization (Cyanobacteria and Cerealen) and mineral nitrogen applications (70, 140, 210 and 280 kg N ha-1) on growth and nutrients uptake of the maize crop, and to study the residual of N bio fertilization on the subsequent crop (wheat) with mineral nitrogen rates (0, 70, 140 and 210 kg N ha-1). The results showed that Cyanobacteria inoculation + 280 kg N ha-1 gave high maize plant height, maize yield and yield components as well as nutrients content and photosynthetic pigments in maize leaves. Also, the results indicated that the element N at a rate of 280 kg N ha-1 with Cerealen and Cyanobacteria can increase the maize grain yield by 4.14 to 19.25% and the maize stover yield by 6.89 to 16.98%. Moreover, applying N bio-fertilizers could produce high maize grain yield when it combined with two third doses of the recommend mineral nitrogen (210 kg N ha-1). Also, there was a residual effect from N-bio fertilizations applied to maize crop on the subsequent crop (wheat). The residual effect of Cyanobacteria inoculation on yield achieved the highest yield followed by the residual effect of Cerealen inoculations, respectively. Also, the results showed that wheat was fertilized at a rate of 140 kg N ha-1 after maize cultivation inoculated with Cyanobacteria produced more wheat grain and straw yield than that fertilized with 210 kg N ha-1, thus saving 70 kg N ha-1 with a healthy and high production. Concerning to soil properties after maize harvest, Cyanobacteria surpassed Cerealen inoculations in improving soil properties, since available NPK and organic matter content had increased while soil pH in the root zone was decreased by using Cyanobacteria and Cerealen inoculations.