Improving fertilization practices in highland maize through the use of 15N and plant growth promoting bacteria

Abstract

The search for production alternatives which involve the use of the best genotype, fertilizers, and biofertilizers is essential to contribute to food security, reduce malnutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture, considering the climate change scenario and the foresight population growth for the coming years. The use of isotopic techniques can be used to improve agricultural practices through the identification of the efficient use of nitrogen, as well as biofertilizers that could optimize the application of this nutrient, which leads to a reduction of production costs, increased yields and to improve agronomic practices for a sustainable agriculture. INIAP is part of the regional project “Improving fertilization practices in crops through the use of efficient genotypes, macronutrients and plant growth promoting bacteria” financed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) through The Regional Cooperation Agreement for the Promotion of Nuclear Science and Technology in Latin America and the Caribbean (ARCAL).