Maize research data
Description
This study hypothesized that Azotobacter seed inoculation can partially substitute synthetic nitrogen (N) fertilizer in maize without compromising growth and yield. Specifically, it was expected that combining Azotobacter with reduced N doses would maintain or improve yield attributes relative to the full recommended nitrogen dose (120 kg ha⁻¹), while enhancing nutrient use efficiency under midhill conditions in Nepal. Field data were generated through a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications and seven treatments. Treatments ranged from 100% to 50% of the recommended nitrogen dose (RDN), each combined with Azotobacter seed inoculation, alongside a control with full RDN and no inoculation. Phosphorus (60 kg ha⁻¹) and potassium (40 kg ha⁻¹) were held constant across treatments to isolate nitrogen effects. Data collection included: Vegetative traits: plant height (measured periodically, including at 90 DAS) Phenological traits: timing of key growth stages Yield attributes: cob length, number of grains per cob, grain yield Notable findings Azotobacter enhances nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), likely through biological nitrogen fixation and plant growth–promoting effects. The lack of significant differences in most growth traits suggests that physiological efficiency, rather than biomass increase, explains yield gains.