XVI International Botanical Congess

Two field experiments were carried out in a newly reclaimed sandy soil during 1997 and 1998 seasons to evaluate the effect of two rates of composted sawdust (20 or 40 m3/feddan) in the presence and absence elemental sulphur, the foliar fertilizer (Nofatrein), the seed dresser (Coatingen) and/or the multi-strain biofertilizer (Microbein) on chemical composition and yield of corn crop. The weight of 100 grain increased from 16.8 g under the usual rate of chemical fertilizer (NPK) to 18.9 and 20.4 g under either 20 or 40 m3/ feddan composted sawdust, respectively. Associating the biofertilizer with both organic or chemical fertilizers led to a marked increase in the grains and straw yields compared to their sole effect under different treatments. Increasing the rate of composted sawdust from 20 to 40 m3/feddan showed a significant increase in the biological yield of corn when associated with biofertilization. The greatest N, P, Zn, Fe and Cu-contents of corn grains were achieved when Microbein was associated with elemental sulphur or Nofatrein in comparison with Coatingen. Generally, combinations of composted sawdust (40 m3/feddan) and Microbein with elemental sulphur or Nofatrein, led to highly significant differences over the usual rate of chemical NPK fertilization in corn yield and its chemical composition.