Optimization of vermiculite-based organomineral fertilizer (GumiVer) rates for maize productivity enhancement in semi-arid soils: a modeling approach
Otimização das taxas de fertilizante organomineral à base de vermiculita (GumiVer) para o aumento da produtividade do milho em solos semiáridos: uma abordagem de modelagem
Saparov G. Kulymbet K. Gazizov A. Amirov B. Amanzholkyzy A.
2026Instituto Internacional de Ecologia
Brazilian Journal of Biology
2026#86
Modern agriculture must raise yields while safeguarding soil fertility. We evaluated the effect of a vermiculite-based organomineral amendment (GumiVer) on maize (Zea mays L.) growth and biomass under semi-arid soil conditions. A controlled-environment pot experiment (5-L pots) using field-collected light-chestnut soil representative of semi-arid conditions in southeastern Kazakhstan. Treatments included soil-only and vermiculite-only controls and soil:GumiVer ratios (v/v) of 19:1, 9:1, and 4:1. Pots were arranged in a randomized complete block design, maintained at 25 °C, 16/8 photoperiod, and irrigated to 40% field capacity. GumiVer significantly improved maize growth relative to the control, with the 9:1 ratio yielding the largest gains: shoot mass up to 135%, leaf area ~155%, and total biomass ~140%. Expanded vermiculite alone produced moderate improvements. Root growth also increased but less than shoot growth, indicating a shift in biomass allocation toward aerial parts. Responses increased with GumiVer dose up to 9:1 (≈0.5 L GumiVer per 5-L pot) and then plateaued at higher additions; benefits at 19:1 (≈0.25 L) were present but smaller. Incorporating GumiVer at ~9:1 soil: GumiVer can enhance early maize growth and biomass in light-chestnut, semi-arid soils, likely via complementary aluminosilicate-humate effects on substrate structure and nutrient dynamics. These results support the use of scientifically formulated organomineral amendments in sustainable management of degraded, nutrient-imbalanced soils.
growth stimulation , GumiVer , maize (Zea mays L.) , organomineral fertilizer , vermiculite
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Research Centre of Ecology and Environment of Central Asia (Almaty), Almaty, Kazakhstan
U.U. Uspanov Kazakh Research Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Research Centre of Ecology and Environment of Central Asia (Almaty)
U.U. Uspanov Kazakh Research Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry
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