Evaluación de la productividad de maíz (Zea mays L.) INIAP 103 – Mishqui Sara con diferentes tipos de fertilización en la Estación Experimental del Austro

Abstract

Soil productivity management requires integrating new plant nutrition practices from a strictly agronomic perspective. The objective of the research was to compare the management of different types of organic and chemical fertilizers used in the cultivation of INIAP 103 maize (Zea mays L), an open-pollinated soft maize variety. This variety is an interesting option for family farmers, providing both sustenance and income. The study aimed to determine the differences in morphological development of this crop and identify the best nutrition strategy to achieve higher productivity levels, while also establishing the cost-benefit relationship of the treatments used. The methodology employed a completely randomized block design with five treatments: 100% chemical fertilization, 100% organic fertilization, a mixed approach, and a control treatment with no fertilization. The studied and evaluated variables aimed to identify the treatment that best responds to different types and doses of fertilization to achieve the highest productivity level, and through economic analysis, reflect the treatment with the best cost-benefit ratio.The study compared the use of organic and chemical fertilizers in INIAP 103 maize. No significant differences in yield were found between the treatments, although the recommended treatment showed a slight increase. Nitrogen and phosphorus are crucial for maize development. The need to adjust soil analyses to local varieties and improve access to these services for farmers was highlighted. Nitrogen fertilization improved light absorption and biomass accumulation. Complete fertilization treatments gave better results in cob insertion height, but the number of cobs and dry matter were similar. Lodging incidence varied according to plant height and soil quality