Field Crop 2024, Vol.7, No.4, 222-231 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 229 fertilizers. This integrated approach can lead to more resilient maize production systems, particularly in regions prone to drought and soil degradation. By improving nitrogen use efficiency and reducing fertilizer application rates, these practices can also mitigate the environmental impact of maize cultivation, contributing to the sustainability of food production systems. Enhanced maize nutritional value directly supports food security by providing more nutritious food sources, which is crucial for addressing malnutrition and improving public health. Future research should focus on optimizing the ratios and combinations of organic and inorganic fertilizers to maximize maize yield and nutritional quality under various environmental conditions. Long-term field studies are needed to assess the sustainability and environmental impact of these integrated nutrient management practices. Additionally, research should explore the genetic and metabolic mechanisms underlying nitrogen use efficiency in maize to develop more efficient fertilizer application strategies. Policymakers should promote the adoption of integrated nutrient management practices through incentives and support for farmers, including access to organic amendments and training on sustainable fertilization techniques. Policies should also encourage the use of bio-fertilizers and microbial inoculants, such as AMF, to reduce chemical fertilizer dependency and enhance soil health. By supporting research and implementing policies that promote sustainable maize production, we can improve food security and environmental sustainability. Acknowledgments CropSci publisher appreciates the valuable feedback from the reviewers. Conflict of Interest Disclosure Authors affirm that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. References Ahmad M., Hussain A., Dar A., Luqman M., Ditta A., Iqbal Z., Ahmad H., Nazli F., Soufan W., Almutairi K., and Sabagh A., 2023, Combating iron and zinc malnutrition through mineral biofortification in maize through plant growth promoting Bacillus and Paenibacillus species, Frontiers in Plant Science, 13: 1094551. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2022.1094551 PMid:36816488 PMCid:PMC9929565 Alves D., Teixeira M., Cunha F., Filho F., Cunha G., and Andrade C., 2023, Grain yield of maize crops under nitrogen fertigation using wastewater from swine and fish farming, Agronomy, 13(7): 1834. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13071834 Asare G., 2023, Effect of foliar application of some macro and micronutrients on the growth and yield of maize, International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology (IJRASET), 11(XI): 56655. https://doi.org/10.22214/ijraset.2023.56655 Augustine R., and Imayavaramban V., 2021, Agronomic biofortification through integrated nutrient management on maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids, Agricultural Science Digest-A Research Journal, 42(2): 187-191. https://doi.org/10.18805/ag.D-5457 Bamboriya J., Purohit H., Naik B., Pramanick B., Bamboriya S., Bamboriya S., Doodhawal K., Sunda S., Medida S., Gaber A., Alsuhaibani A., and Hossain A., 2023, Monitoring the effect of integrated nutrient management practices on soil health in maize-based cropping system, Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 7: 1242806. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2023.1242806 Dragičević V., Brankov M., Stoiljković M., Tolimir M., Kanatas P., Travlos I., and Simić M., 2022, Kernel color and fertilization as factors of enhanced maize quality, Frontiers in Plant Science, 13: 1027618. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2022.1027618 PMid:36479516 PMCid:PMC9720313 El-Syed N., Helmy A., Fouda S., Nabil M., Abdullah T., Alhag S., Al-Shuraym L., Syaad K., Ayyoub A., Mahmood M., and Elrys A., 2023, Biochar with organic and inorganic fertilizers improves defenses, nitrogen use efficiency, and yield of maize plants subjected to water deficit in an alkaline soil, Sustainability, 15(16): 12223. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151612223 Fall A., Nakabonge G., Ssekandi J., Founoune-Mboup H., Badji A., Ndiaye A., Ndiaye M., Kyakuwa P., Anyoni O., Kabaseke C., Ronoh A., and Ekwangu J., 2023, Combined effects of indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and NPK fertilizer on growth and yields of maize and soil nutrient availability, Sustainability, 15(3): 2243. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032243
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