INOCULATION OF PHOSPHATE SOLUBILIZING BACTERIA IN CORN: REDUCE OR NOT PHOSPHATE FERTILIZATION? INSIGHT INTO THE FIRST VEGETATIVE STAGES

Insigth of the first vegetative stages

Abstract

Phosphorus (P) supplied by soluble mineral fertilizers is quickly fixed in the soil, accumulating in less available fractions (legacy P). Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (BSP) can access legacy P, providing it for crops. However, there are many uncertainties about whether or not phosphate fertilization is reduced when associated with this technology. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate corn response to P doses and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse up to the V6 stage of corn. The design used was randomized blocks in a 3x2 factorial scheme, with six replications, with three doses of P (0, 11, and 22 kg ha^-1) associated or not to inoculation with Bacillus subtilis (strain UFT-09). In the V6 stage of corn of biometrics, shoot biomass accumulation and chlorophyll index were performed. The results were analyzed with univariate and multivariate statistics. The use of B. subtillis promoted positive responses in the initial growth of the corn. The inoculation with a dose reduction (11 kg ha^-1) increased morphology, resulting in higher dry matter production. In the presence of the inoculant and absence of fertilization (0 kg ha^-1), the chlorophyll content was similar to 22 kg ha^-1. Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria contribute to the reduction of phosphate fertilizer doses, promoting more sustainable agriculture.