Azospirillum brasilense Inoculation and Chemical Fertilization Management: A Synergistic Approach for Enhancing Maize Yield

Rainfed agriculture faces water limitations that negatively impact the yield of key crops such as maize, which is essential for food security in Mexico. This study evaluated the effect of Azospirillum brasilense, applied through seed inoculation and soil spraying, in combination with either full or 50% reduced chemical fertilizer doses, on maize yield under rainfed conditions. The experiment was conducted in Tlajomulco de Zúñiga, Jalisco, Mexico, during the 2023 growing season, using a randomized complete block design with five treatments and three replications. While no significant differences were observed in plant height and ear length, A. brasilense application significantly enhanced root development and ear diameter. The highest grain yield (10,336.51 kg ha⁻¹) was achieved with the combination of seed inoculation and 50% chemical fertilization, exceeding the full fertilization treatment by over 4 tons. These results suggest that A. brasilense can reduce fertilizer use without compromising productivity, offering a sustainable strategy for rainfed agricultural systems.