Role of microbial inoculation and industrial by‐product phosphogypsum in growth and nutrient uptake of maize (Zea mays L.) grown in calcareous soil

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BACKGROUND Alkaline soils with high calcium carbonate and low organic matter are deficient in plant nutrient availability. Use of organic and bio‐fertilizers has been suggested to improve their properties. Therefore, a greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the integrative role of phosphogypsum (PG; added at 0.0, 10, 30, and 50 g PG kg−1), cow manure (CM; added at 50 g kg−1) and mixed microbial inoculation (Incl.; Azotobacter chroococcum, and phosphate‐solubilizing bacteria Bacillus megaterium var. phosphaticum and Pseudomonas fluorescens) on growth and nutrients (N, P, K, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) uptake of maize (Zea mays L.) in calcareous soil. Treatment effects on soil chemical and biological properties and the Cd and Pb availability to maize plants were also investigated. RESULTS Applying PG decreased soil pH. The soil available P increased when soil was inoculated and/or treated with CM, especially with PG. The total microbial count and dehydrogenase activity were enhanced with PG+CM+Incl. treatments. Inoculated soils treated with PG showed significant increases in NPK uptake and maize plant growth. However, the most investigated treatments showed significant decreases in shoot micronutrients. Cd and Pb were not detected in maize shoots. CONCLUSIONS Applying PG with microbial inoculation improved macronutrient uptake and plant growth.