Evaluation of grain quality of Zea mays, Sorghum bicolor and Pennisetum glaucum plants under the influence of different levels of chicken manure and chemical fertilizers in Dehgolan Plain

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran.

2 Department of Biosystem Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran.

10.22126/cbb.2026.13919.1146

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, the high cost of chemical fertilizers in recommended amounts and environmental pollution resulting from the use of synthetic chemicals have limited the use of these fertilizers and have led to an increase in the demand for organic fertilizers. The use of organic fertilizers, in addition to providing plants with sufficient amounts of nitrogen and other required nutrients, also helps to reduce environmental pollution. Also, the release of elements in these fertilizers is gradual, and the plant has access to nutrients throughout the growth period. The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the nutrient content of the grains of three plants: Pennisetum glaucum (Nutrifeed variety), Zea mays (Single Cross 260), and Sorghum bicolor (Speedfeed variety) under the influence of combined levels of chicken manure and chemical fertilizers, with the aim of reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and improving the quality of the grains.
Materials and methods: This study was conducted in the 2023 crop year in a split plot based on a randomized complete block design with three replications at the University of Kurdistan Research Farm located in the Dehgolan plain. The main factor of the experiment included three species of pearl millet (Nutrifed variety), sorghum (Speedfeed variety), and maize (Single Cross 260), and the fertilization systems as sub-factor including control, four tons per hectare of chicken manure, 3 tons per hectare of chicken manure + 50 kg per hectare of nitrogen fertilizer from the urea source + 25 kg of phosphate from the triple superphosphate source, 2 tons per hectare of chicken manure + 100 kg per hectare of nitrogen fertilizer from the urea source + 50 kg of phosphate from the triple superphosphate source, and complete chemical fertilizer (200 kg per hectare of nitrogen fertilizer from the urea source + 100 kg of phosphate from the triple superphosphate source).
Results: The results of the study indicated that the highest amount of grain nitrogen (2.64%) was observed in the treatment of three tons of chicken manure per hectare + 25% chemical fertilizer in maize grains. Also, the highest amount of phosphorus (0.54%) and iron (335.89 mg/kg) was observed in millet grains and the treatment of 3 tons of chicken manure per hectare + 25% chemical fertilizer. The highest amounts of copper and manganese in the grain were observed in millet grains. Applying chemical fertilizer to millet plants caused a 20% increase in grain calcium compared to millet plants in the same treatment. The highest concentration of grain sodium was in the treatment of single application of chemical fertilizer (1.32%). Combined fertilizer treatments (3 tons per hectare of chicken manure + 100 kg per hectare of nitrogen fertilizer from urea source + 25 kg of phosphate from triple superphosphate source) resulted in a significant increase in most of the nutrients in the studied plants.
Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that the integrated application of organic and chemical fertilizers had the most significant positive effect on the grain quality of maize, sorghum, and millet. For most traits, these treatments showed a statistically significant difference compared to the sole application of chemical or organic fertilizers. Beyond significantly a reduction in the application of chemical fertilizer consumption and consequently mitigating their adverse environmental impacts, this integrated approach aligns with the goals of sustainable agriculture and achieving acceptable grain quality.

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References

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Cereal Biotechnology and Biochemistry
Volume 4, Issue 4 - Serial Number 4
December 2025
Pages 502-519

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