Published By:
(ISSN:2581-6853; CODEN: GJNRA9; DOI: 10.33002/nr2581.6853) is an international, scientific double blind peer-reviewed open access journal published 3 times a year online by The Grassroots Institute.
Impact Factor: exaly
Open Access—free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
High Visibility: Indexed in Web of Science (Zoological Record, Biosis Previews, Biological Abstracts, Biosis Full Coverage Unique, and CAB Abstracts), EBSCO and other databases.
Time for Processing: Provisional acceptance of the submitted article is given in 1 week time. After consent of author(s), manuscript is peer-reviewed and a first decision provided to authors in 2-4 weeks after submission.
Recognition of Reviewers: The reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in the journal, in appreciation of the work done. Reviewers also receive Certificate for their voluntary service.
Coordinated and published by The Grassroots Institute, the Grassroots Journal of Natural Resources (GJNR) is an international journal dedicated to the latest advancements in natural resources throughout the world. The goal of this journal is to provide a platform for scientists, social scientists, policy analysts, managers and practitioners (on all academic and professional levels) all over the world to promote, discuss and share various new issues and developments in different arenas of natural resources.
Samraa Ali Al-Ali*1, Suhail Ali Nader2, Mohammed Manhal Awad Al-Zoubi3
1Department of Plant Biology, University of Damascus, Syria.
Email: Samraa3.alali@damascusuniversity.edu.sy | ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7147-4357
2Department of Plant Biology, Damascus University, Syria. Email: s.nader@damascusuniversity.edu.sy
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4547-2369
3Scientific Research Commission, Damascus, Syria. Email: manhalzo@yahoo.com
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9092-7410
*Corresponding author
Grassroots Journal of Natural Resources, 8(3): 524-547. Doi: https://doi.org/10.33002/nr2581.6853.080321
Received: 10 October 2025
Reviewed: 09 December 2025
Provisionally Accepted: 15 December 2025
Revised: 18 December 2025
Finally Accepted: 20 December 2025
Published: 31 December 2025
Sustainable agriculture requires increasing farmers' knowledge of methods and fertilizers beneficial to soil and plant health. This study explored alternatives to chemical fertilizers to reduce their overuse and restore soil health. This study evaluated the effects of organic fertilizer and EM1 biofertilizer on the growth, yield, and chemical composition of two Zea mays Linnaeus, 1753 varieties, hybrid and local, under field conditions. Four fertilizer treatments were applied: organic fertilizer, EM1, organic + EM1, and a control. The results showed significant differences among treatments for most agronomic and biochemical traits. The combined organic + EM1 treatment produced the highest values for leaf number, ear diameter, and grains per row in both varieties. The hybrid variety exhibited superior vegetative growth, while the local variety responded better in grain protein and oil content. The highest protein content was observed in the local variety under the organic + EM1 treatment (9.08 g), followed by EM1 alone (9.02 g), while the control had the lowest value (8.38 g). Similarly, oil content was highest under the combined treatment, reaching 8–9%, compared with 5–6% in the control. These improvements are attributed to the positive effects of organic matter and EM1 biofertilizers in enhancing soil fertility, nutrient availability, and microbial activity. Overall, the findings indicate that using organic and EM1 fertilizers significantly enhances maize growth, productivity, and grain quality while promoting soil fertility and environmental sustainability. Therefore, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers and replacing them with organic and bio-based alternatives represents a viable strategy for sustainable maize production and long-term ecological balance.
Productivity; Protein; Oil; Environmental sustainability
Abdas, H.H., Abdel-Hameed, A.H., Nofal, E.H.A. and Abdel-Aziz, M.F. (2009). Induced of cattle waste
combined with elemental sulphur, nitrogen and phosphorus on wheat succeeded by maize grown on a calcareous clay-loamy soil. J. Agric. Sci. Mansoura Univ., 34(1): 597-610 DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21608/jssae.2009.90257.
Abudurezike, A., Linxin, F., Yan, Z. and Yibati, H. (2025). Impact of Organic Fertilizer Substitution on
Soil Microbial Communities and Cotton Yield in Xinjiang. Agronomy, 15(7): 1540. DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15071540.
Alamery, A.A. and Alshatb, W.A. (2022). Response of corn {Zea mays L.} to combinations of organic
fertilization and spraying with potassium nanoparticles in some yield characteristics. Journal of Pharmaceutical Negative Results, 13(1): 948-952. DOI: https://doi.org/10.47750/pnr.2022.13.S01.113.
Avery, H. (2022). The Role of Organic Fertilizers in Transition to Sustainable Agriculture in the MENA
Region. In: Metin Turan and Ertan Yildirim (eds.), New Generation of Organic Fertilizers. IntechOpen. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.101411.
Al-Budeiri, M.H. and Al-Shami, Y.A.O. (2021). Effect of addition mineral, organic and bio-fertilizers on
nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium concentration and protein of corn crop (Zea mays L.). IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 735(1): 012062. DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/735/1/012062.
Al-Kalabi, J. (2018). The role of mycorrhizae, different phosphate sources, and compost on soil
phosphorus and copper availability and maize yield growth. PhD Thesis, University of Baghdad, College of Agriculture, Baghdad, Iraq. Available online at: https://library.alkafeel.net/dic/print/page-book/239439 [accessed 23 October 2025].
Al-Khalifa, T. and Al-Hamad, I. (2008). A study of the effect of the number of irrigations and nitrogen
fertilization levels on the productivity and components of the yellow maize crop (Ghouta 82) in the conditions of Deir ez-Zor Governorate. Aleppo University Research Journal, Agricultural Sciences Series, 67. Available online at: https://journal.alfuratuniv.edu.sy/index.php?Ser=6&func=issues&issue_id=31&set=31&lang=1 [accessed 23 October 2025].
Al-Rumi, A.K.H. (2017). The effect of plant spacing and irrigation periods on the yield and components
of maize (Zea mays). Journal of the University of Babylon, Pure and Applied Sciences, 25(6). Available online at: https://www.journalofbabylon.com/index.php/JUBPAS/article/download/299/151/388 [accessed 23 October 2025].
Alsaeedi, Y.A., Albalkhi, A. and Alzoubi, M.M. (2022). Effect of different levels of nitrogen and
phosphate fertilizers on the nitrogen and phosphorus content of maize grains and leaves (Ghouta‑82). Damascus University Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 44(2): 127-736. Available online at: https://agris.fao.org/search/en/providers/122526/records/651a9180528c4f6c2ac839ab [accessed 23 October 2025].
Al-Sahouki, M.M. (1990). Maize Production and Improvement. Ministry of Higher Education and
Scientific Research, University of Baghdad, p. 144. Available online at:
https://repository.uobaghdad.edu.iq/ [accessed 23 October 2025].
Al-Shammari, H.M.A., Al-Balkhi, A. and Al-Zoubi, M.M. (2022). A study of the effect of mineral
fertilization and foliar spraying with humic acids on some productive traits of yellow corn (Ghouta 82 variety). Syrian Journal of Agricultural Research, 9(3): 328–337.
https://agri-research-journal.net/SjarEn/wp-content/uploads/93p25.pdf [accessed 23 October 2025].
Al-Zaidi, J.A.M. (2014). Effect of potassium and organic fertilizers on potassium forms in rhizosphere
and non-rhizosphere soils and on the growth of maize (Zea mays L.). Comprehensive Agricultural Library. Available online at: https://www.agro-lib.site/2020/11/blog-post_28.html [accessed on 20 November 2025].
Al-Zubaidi, N.N., Al-Anbaki, A.A. and Al-Zubaidi, A.A. (2016). Effect of humic acid addition and foliar
potassium fertilization on the growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.). Master’s thesis, University of Diyala, Iraq. 165 pp.
Thilakarathna, M.S. & Upadhyay, P. (2024). Humic acid improves wheat growth by modulating auxin
and cytokinin biosynthesis pathways. AoB PLANTS, 16(2): plae018. DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1093/aobpla/plae018.
Abd El-Gawad, A.M. and Morsy, A.S.M. (2017). Integrated impact of organic and inorganic fertilizers on
growth, yield of maize (Zea mays L.) and soil properties under Upper Egypt conditions. Journal of Plant Production, 8(11): 1103-1112. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21608/jpp.2017.41121.
Anees, M.U., Khan, H.Z. and Ahmed, Z. (2016). Role of amendments and micronutrients in maize (Zea
mays L.) sown in calcareous soils. Am. Eur. J. Agric. Environ. Sci., 16(4): 795-800. DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5829/idosi.aejaes.2016.16.4.12879.
Atapattu, A.J., Ranasinghe, C.S., Nuwarapaksha, T.D., Udumann, S.S. and Dissanayaka, N.S. (2024).
Sustainable agriculture and sustainable development goals (SDGs). In: Emerging technologies and marketing strategies for sustainable agriculture (pp. 1-27). IGI Global Scientific Publishing. DOI: https://doi.org/ 10.4018/979-8-3693-4864-2.ch001.
Cirilo, A.G., Dardanelli, J., Balzarini, M., Andrade, F.H.C., Luque, M. and Pedrol, S. (2009). Morpho-
physiological traits associated with maize crop adaptations to environments differing in nitrogen availability. Journal of Field Crop Research, 113(2): 116-124. DOI:
https://doi.org/ 10.1016/j.fcr.2009.04.011.
Cvijanović, G., Cvijanović, V., Bajagić, M., Đurić, N. and Ćosić, M. (2024). Influence of effective
microorganisms on bioactive substances in different plant species. In IV international scientific conference Sustainable agriculture and rural development (pp. 413-422). Belgrade: Institute of Agricultural Economics. Available online at: http://RIVeC.institut-palanka.rs/handle/123456789/824 [accessed 23 October 2025].
Chen, X., Ma, X., Liu, Z., Gu, H., Fang, H., Shen, Z., and Liu, J. (2025). Organic fertilizers increase
microbial community diversity and stability slowing down the transformation process of nutrient cycling. Environmental Microbiome, 20: 130. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40793-025-00530-0.
El-Kholy, A.S., Aly, R.M.A., El-Bana, A.Y.A. and Yasin, M.A.T. (2015). Effect of planting density,
nitrogen fertilizer level and organic manure rate on yellow maize (Zea mays L.) yield and its attributes under sandy soil conditions. Zagazig J. Agric. Res., 42(2): 195-213. Available online at: https://zjar.journals.ekb.eg/article_51886_1d34e3b414c4792a874a7cb277b4601d.pdf [accessed 23 October 2025].
El-Shafey, A.I. and El-Hawary, M.M. (2016). integrated effect of bio-organic and/or nitrogen fertilizer on
growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.). Zagazig Journal of Agricultural Research, 43(4): 1105-1119. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21608/zjar.2016.100480.
El-Sobky, E.A.M., Zeidan, E.M., Abdul, A.A.A.G. and Geweifel, H.G. (2014). Effect of irrigation
intervals, organic manuring and nitrogen fertilization level on yield and yield attributes of maize. Ph.D. Thesis, Fac. Agric., Zagazig Univ., Egypt. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21608/zjar.2014.318046.
El-Shabasi, M.S.S., Gaafer, S.A. and Zahran, F.A. (2003). Efficiency of biofertilizer Nitrobein under
different levels of inorganic nitrogen fertilizer on growth, yield, and chemical constituents of garlic plants. Journal of Agricultural Science, Mansoura University, 28(9): 6927–6938. Available online at: https://journals.ekb.eg/article_252931_285017c1784f97e18753cf4f23aaec1f.pdf [accessed 23 October 2025].
Fadlalla, H.A., Abukhlaif, H.A. and Mohamed, S.S. (2016). Effects of chemical and bio-fertilizers on
yield, yield components and grain quality of maize (Zea mays L.). African Journal of Agricultural Research, 11(45): 4654-4660. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5897/AJAR2016.11619.
Faqira, A.B. and Al-Shuaibi, G.H. (2015). The effect of different rates of biofertilization and plant density
on the grain yield and components of maize (Zea mays L.). Jordanian Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 11(2). DOI: https://doi.org 10.12816/0030446.
Farhad, W., Saleem, M.F., Cheema, M.A. and Hammad, H.M. (2009). Effect of poultry manure levels on
the productivity of spring maize (Zea mays L.). J. Anim. and Plant Sci., 19(3): 122- 125. Available online at: https://www.thejaps.org.pk/docs/19-no-3-2009/09-961.pdf [accessed 23 October 2025].
Gao, C., El-Sawah, A.M., Ali, D.F.I., Alhaj Hamoud, Y., Shaghaleh, H. and Sheteiwy, M.S. (2020). The
integration of bio and organic fertilizers improve plant growth, grain yield, quality and metabolism of hybrid maize (Zea mays L.). Agronomy, 10(3): 319. DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10030319.
Getachew, A., Adrian, M.B, Paul, N.N. and Michael, I.B. (2016). Benefits of biochar, compost and
biochar–compost for soil quality, maize yield and greenhouse gas emissions in a tropical agricultural soil. Science of the Total Environment, 543. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.11.054.
Golden Seeds (n.d.). Jeta Poly hybrid yellow maize – Variety specifications. Information printed on the
seed package. https://www.goldenwestseeds.com/jeta/.
Gewaily, E., M. Fatma, I. El-Zamik, T. Tomader, El–Hadidy, H.I.A. El-Fattah and H.S. Salem. 2016.
Efficiency of biofertilizers, organic and inorganic amendments application on growth and essential oil of marjoram (Majoranahortensis L.) plants grown in sandy and calcareous soils. Zagazig J. Agric. Res., 33: 205-230. Available online at: https://jalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_161624.html [accessed 23 October 2025].
Hari, M., Seshadri, S. and Perumal, K. (2010). Booklet on Biofertilizer (PHOSPHOBACTERIA).
Research Center, Taramani, Chennai 600 113 India. Available online at:
https://www.amm-mcrc.org/pdf/Brochures/Biofertilizer.pdf [accessed 23 October 2025].
Hassanein, A.H.M. (1995). Maize and Sorghum. Anglo-Egyptian Library, Cairo, 11–12.
Heldt, H.W. (2005). Plant Biochemistry. Third edition. Academic Press, pp.657. DOI:
https://doi.org/ 10.1016/B978-0-12-088391-2.X5000-7.
Ibrahim, S.M. (2013). The physiological effect of EM1 biofertilizer, nitrogen fertilization, and leaf
removal below the ear on growth characteristics, yield, and its components of yellow corn (Zea mays L.). Rafidain Journal of Agriculture, 41(2). DOI: https://doi.org/10.33899/magrj.2013.81129.
Javaid, A. and Mahmood, N. (2010). Growth and nodulation response of soybean to biofertilizers. Pak. J.
Bot., 42: 863-871. Available online at: https://www.pakbs.org/pjbot/papers/1754944259.pdf [accessed 23 October 2025].
Kalay, A.M., Hindersah, R., Ngabalin, I.A. and Jamlean, M. (2020). Utilization of Biofertilizers and
Organic Materials on Growth and Yield of Sweet Corn (Zea mays Saccharata). Agric, 32(2): 129–138. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24246/agric.2020.v32.i2.p129-138.
Karthik, A. and Maheswari, M.U. (2021). Smart fertilizer strategy for better crop production. Agricultural
Reviews, 42(1): 12-21. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18805/ag.R-1877.
Kazaar, W.A.A. (2022). Response of maize (Zea mays L.) to combinations of organic fertilizer and nano-
potassium spray. Master’s thesis, College of Agriculture, University of Kerbala, Iraq. Available online at: https://uokerbala.edu.iq/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Rp_Respones-of-maize-to-combinations-of-organic-fertilizer-and-Nano-potassium-spra-2.pdf [accessed 23 October 2025].
Llamelo, N., Bulalin, S.P., Pattung, A. and Bangyad, S. (2016). Effect of different biofertilizers applied as
supplemental foliar spray on the growth and yield of corn (Zea mays L.). Asia Pacific Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, 4(4): 119-125. Available online at: https://www.apjmr.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/APJMR-2016.4.4.18.pdf [accessed 23 October 2025].
Mohamed, A.M.A. (2006). Effect of some biochemical fertilization regimes on yield of maize. M.Sc.
Thesis, Fac. Agric, Zagazig Univ., Egypt.
Nassour, M. and Kbybo, I. (2022). Effect of biofertilization and phosphogypsum on the growth and
yield of chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum grandiflorum cv. Euro). Tishreen University Journal – Biological Sciences Series, 44(3): 145–161. Available online at: https://journal.latakia-univ.edu.sy/index.php/bioscnc/article/download/11757/11679 [accessed 23 October 2025].
Omar, A.E.A. (2014). Effect of FYM and phosphorus fertilization on yield and its components of maize.
Asian J. Crop Sci., 6 (1): 15-26. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3923/ajcs.2014.15.26.
Rashwan, E. and El-Sharkawy, T.A. (2017). Effect of organic manure, antioxidant and proline on corn
(Zea mays L.) grown under saline conditions. Environment, Biodiversity and Soil Security, 1(2017): 203-217. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21608/jenvbs.2018.2513.1021.
Ramadan, K., Nader, S., Mokrani, L., Al Aswd, G., Abou-Isba, S., & Dakah, A. (2025). The effect of
ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) and environmental factors on soybean traits. BMC Plant Biology. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-025-07979-5.
Sharifi, R.S. and Hizaden, T. (2009). Response of maize (Zea mays L.) cultivars of different levels of
nitrogen fertilizer. J. of food Agri. Env., 7(3-4): 518-521. Available online at:
https://arccjournals.com/journal/agricultural-reviews/R-1459 [accessed 23 October 2025].
Soro, D., Ayolié, K., Zro, F.G.B., Yéboua, F.Y., Kouadio, H.K.K., Bakayoko, S., and Kouadio, J.Y.
(2015). Impact of organic fertilization on maize (Zea mays L.) production in a ferralitic soil of centre-west Côte d'Ivoire. Journal of Experimental Biology and Agricultural Sciences, 3(6): 556-565. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18006/2015.3(6).556.565.
Tarang, E., Ramroudi, M., Galavi, M., Dahmardeh, M. and Mohajeri, F. (2013). Effects of Nitroxin bio-
fertilizer with chemical fertilizer on yield and yield components of grain corn (cv. Maxima) Int. J. Agric. Sci., 3(5): 400-405. Available online at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322508848_Effects_of_Nitroxin_bio-fertilizer_with_chemical_fertilizer_on_yield_and_yield_components_of_grain_corn_cv_Maxima [accessed 23 October 2025].
Triboi, E., Abad, A., Michelena, A., Lioveras, J., Other, J.L. and Danid, C. (2000). Environmental effects
on the quality of two wheat genotypes. I. Quantitative and qualitative variations of storage proteins. European Journal of Agronomy, 13(1): 47- 64. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1161-0301(00)00053-6.
Verkaik, E. (2006). Short term and long-term effects of tannins on nitrogen mineralization and litter
decomposition in kauri C.F. (Agathis australis D. Don Lindl) forest. Plant and Soil, 87: 337-343. Available online at: DOI: https://link.springer.com/journal/11104.
Wuhaib, K.M. K. Al-Haidary and Makyia, K.A. (2009). Split application nitrogen for (Zea mays L.)
genotypes to get the best sink. J. Tikrit Univ. for Agri. Sci., 9(1): 104-116. Available online at: https://jcoagri.uobaghdad.edu.iq/index.php/intro/article/view/2251 [accessed 23 October 2025].
Al-Ali, S.A., Nader, S.A. and Al-Zoubi, M.M.A. (2025). The Effect of EM1 and Organic Fertilizers on Productivity, Protein, and Oil Content of Two Zea mays. L Varieties and the Importance of Environmental Sustainability. Grassroots Journal of Natural Resources, 8(3): 524-547. Doi: https://doi.org/10.33002/nr2581.6853.080321
Al-Ali, S. A., Nader, S. A., & Al-Zoubi, M. M. A. (2025). The Effect of EM1 and Organic Fertilizers on Productivity, Protein, and Oil Content of Two Zea mays. L Varieties and the Importance of Environmental Sustainability. Grassroots Journal of Natural Resources, 8(3), 524-547. https://doi.org/10.33002/nr2581.6853.080321
Al-Ali S.A., Nader S.A., Al-Zoubi, M.M.A. 2025. The Effect of EM1 and Organic Fertilizers on Productivity, Protein, and Oil Content of Two Zea mays. L Varieties and the Importance of Environmental Sustainability. Grassroots Journal of Natural Resources, 2025, 8 (3), 524-547. https://doi.org/10.33002/nr2581.6853.080321
Al-Ali, Samraa Ali, Nader, Suhail Ali, Al-Zoubi, Mohammed Manhal Awad. 2025. “The Effect of EM1 and Organic Fertilizers on Productivity, Protein, and Oil Content of Two Zea mays. L Varieties and the Importance of Environmental Sustainability”. Grassroots Journal of Natural Resources, 8 no. 3: 524-547. https://doi.org/10.33002/nr2581.6853.080321
Al-Ali, Samraa Ali, Suhail Ali Nader and Mohammed Manhal Awad Al-Zoubi. 2025. “The Effect of EM1 and Organic Fertilizers on Productivity, Protein, and Oil Content of Two Zea mays. L Varieties and the Importance of Environmental Sustainability”. Grassroots Journal of Natural Resources, 8 (3): 524-547. https://doi.org/10.33002/nr2581.6853.080321
| Internet Archive: | https://archive.org/details/m-00621 |
| WorldCat: | https://search.worldcat.org/title/11066778319 |
© 2025 by the author(s). Licensee Grassroots Journal of Natural Resources. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). We allow to freely share (copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format) and adapt (remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially) with a legal code: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode.
Grassroots Journal of Natural Resources by The Grassroots Institute is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.grassrootsjournals.org.
Go to Top
