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The Impact of Using Microalgae as Biofertilizer in Maize (Zea mays L.)

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Abstract

Fertilizers play a key role in yield if agriculture crops and their market value. Hence, large scale production of low cost, eco-friendly and broad spectrum fertilizers are mandatory. This study was to assess the effect of marine microalgal fertilizer on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.). The maize plants were raised in soil supplemented with two marine microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris and Spirulina platensis) along with cow dung manure for 75 days under green house condition. The marine microalgal treatment increased growth performance at the early stage of growth and improved yield characteristics, in addition to increased seed germination. Cow dung and two marine microalgae mixture treatment exhibited high growth and yield revealed the potential of the marine microalgae as fertilizer in cultivation of maize.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Prof. Dr. K. Kathiresan, D.Sc. Former Dean & Director, Member of Syndicate, CAS in Marine Biology, Annamalai University for his constructive suggestions. This project was carried out with the support of UGC-XIIth Plan. The first author is grateful to the UGC-RGNF, Govt. of India for the financial assistance (F1-17.1/2015-16/RGNF-2015-17-SC-TAM-24190 and January 2016).

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  1. Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Annamalai University, Parangipettai, Tamil Nadu, 608 502, India

    R. Dineshkumar, J. Subramanian, J. Gopalsamy, P. Jayasingam, A. Arumugam, S. Kannadasan & P. Sampathkumar

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  1. R. Dineshkumar
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Dineshkumar, R., Subramanian, J., Gopalsamy, J. et al. The Impact of Using Microalgae as Biofertilizer in Maize (Zea mays L.). Waste Biomass Valor 10, 1101–1110 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12649-017-0123-7

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