Maize growth in response to Azospirillum brasilense, Rhizobium tropici, molybdenum and nitrogen

ABSTRACT The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of Azospirillum brasilense, Rhizobium tropici, nitrogen (N) and molybdenum (Mo) fertilization on maize growth. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse from October to November 2015, in a completely randomized design, in 2 x 2 x 2 x 5 factorial scheme, with 5 replicates, corresponding to the absence and presence of Azospirillum brasilense, Rhizobium tropici, N (30 kg ha-1) and five Mo doses (0, 7.5, 15.0, 22.5 and 30.0 g ha-1). The analyzed variables were: plant height, basal stem diameter, dry biomass of shoots, roots, total and N accumulated in the shoots. There was double or triple interaction between N fertilization, Azospirillum brasilense and Rhizobium tropici for the evaluated variables. However, isolated and/or combined effect of Mo was not observed. Seed inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense as well as their co-inoculation with Rhizobium tropici in the absence of N fertilization was efficient to increase plant growth. Soil N fertilization at sowing was less efficient in promoting plant growth than when it was combined with seed inoculation with Rhizobium tropici