Harnessing the Synergy of the Cyanobacteria-Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria for Improved Maize ( Zea mays ) Growth and Soil Health

Wogene Solomon, Lamnganbi Mutum, Mariann Rakszegi, Tibor Janda and Zoltán Molnár ()
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Wogene Solomon: Department of Plant Sciences, Albert Kázmér Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences in Mosonmagyarovar, Széchenyi István University, H-9200 Mosonmagyarovar, Hungary
Lamnganbi Mutum: Department of Plant Sciences, Albert Kázmér Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences in Mosonmagyarovar, Széchenyi István University, H-9200 Mosonmagyarovar, Hungary
Mariann Rakszegi: HUN-REN Agricultural Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, 2462 Martonvásár, Hungary
Tibor Janda: HUN-REN Agricultural Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, 2462 Martonvásár, Hungary
Zoltán Molnár: Department of Plant Sciences, Albert Kázmér Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences in Mosonmagyarovar, Széchenyi István University, H-9200 Mosonmagyarovar, Hungary

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 24, 1-14

Abstract: Intensive use of chemicals in agriculture harms the soil, disrupts the ecological balance, and impacts microorganisms. Biofertilizers are gaining traction due to their eco-friendly and cost-effective benefits. This study evaluates the potential of the cyanobacterium MACC-612 ( Nostoc piscinale ) and plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) ( Azospirillum lipoferum , Pseudomonas fluorescens ) in enhancing crop growth, yield, and soil health. A two-year field study was conducted using a factorial approach and a completely randomized block design, comprising four replications. The three levels of the cynobacterium (0, 0.3, or 1 g/L of N. MACC-612) and different bacteria strains were used in the experiments. The results demonstrated substantial enhancements in seed number per ear, kernel weight, and yield when using N. piscinale and PGPB, whether used individually or in combination. The soil pH, humus, (NO 3 − + NO 2 − )-nitrogen, and soil microbial biomass showed significant increases across both years. The combining application of the N. piscinale (0.3 g/L) with A. lipoferum increased grain yield by 33.20% in the first year and 31.53% in the second. The humus and (NO 3 − + NO 2 − )-nitrogen content significantly rose in treatments involving N. piscinale at 0.3 g/L combined with A. lipoferum at about 20.25% and 59.2%, respectively, in comparison to the untreated control. Hence, the most effective approach was the combined use of N. piscinale and A. lipoferum , which enhanced maize growth and soil fertility.

Keywords: soil fertility; microbes; plant growth promotion; interaction; sustainable agriculture (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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