Comparative Evaluation of Urea and Integrated PGPR with Nitrogen-Fixing Microbes: and Their Effects on Maize (Zea Mays)

Nitrogen is the only macronutrient that is abundant in the atmosphere; however, plants lack specific mechanisms to utilize it directly. When nitrogen deficiency occurs, plants exhibit several morphological symptoms that negatively affect their growth. To address nitrogen scarcity, the long-term and indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers has been adopted. Unfortunately, this practice adversely impacts a wide range of environmental factors, including crop health and pollution levels. To minimize the use of chemical fertilizers for nitrogen supplementation, microbiologists have isolated potent nitrogen-fixing bacterial strains from plant rhizospheres and endophytes. These microorganisms not only improve soil structure and biological properties but also exhibit biocontrol potential and plant growth–promoting characteristics. The isolated microorganisms can be used in bio-formulations for applications such as seed treatment and foliar spraying, helping to alleviate nitrogen deficiency and strengthen the plant’s immune system against pathogens. This exploratory research concludes that bio-formulation could serve as an excellent alternative to urea and other chemical fertilizers for addressing nitrogen deficiency in maize plants. Furthermore, it contributes to the sustainability of green and healthy agriculture.