Role of Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria in Fertilization Application: At the Soil-Plant Level

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2024) | Viewed by 8594

Special Issue Editors


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College of Agricultural and Technological Sciences, São Paulo State University (FCAT/UNESP), Dracena 17900-000, SP, Brazil
Interests: plant-growth-promoting bacteria; nutrient; fertilization; fertilizer
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Guest Editor
Department of Plant Protection, Rural Engineering and Soils, São Paulo State University (UNESP)—Campus of Ilha Solteira, Ilha Solteira, SP, Brazil
Interests: plant nutrition; fertilization; soil fertility; efficiency-enhanced fertilizers; plant growth-promoting bacteria associated with reduced fertilization
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Crop production will need to have increased by over 70% by 2050 to achieve future demands. This challenge will require integrated efforts to preserve natural resources and support intensive agriculture while controlling the detrimental impact on the environment. An increase in grain, fiber, energy, and biomass yield will require an enhanced use of applied resources to meet the predicted increasing demand of agricultural products; if this does not happen, the world may face product shortages in the coming decades. The increased production demand to achieve food security could lead to an over-application of agricultural inputs, affecting water and soil quality worldwide, with extended consequences on global warming.

Among diverse strategies used to enhance agricultural productivity, the rational use of plant nutrients coupled with biotechnologies, such as inoculation with plant-growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), has been supported as one of the most suitable strategies for sustaining the health of soil, crop, and environment. Over the last few decades, several strategies have been developed to reduce nutrient-based fertilizer application on different crops, intending to limit expenses and environmental concerns resulting from heavy chemical fertilization and harsh environmental conditions. Therefore, integrating nutrient management strategies and technologies could significantly improve nutrient use efficiency under different environmental conditions worldwide. The inoculation of PGPB has quite a significant role in the alleviation of environmental changes under the context of climate extremes and excessive use of fertilizers in agricultural soils. Thus, the inoculation technique is recognized as one of the best and alternative strategies for ecofriendly crop management techniques as it could improve plant nutrition while reducing the dependance of fertilizer application. Answering this problem through achieving a more sustainable approach to nutrient use in agriculture provided by PGPBs requires a re-examination of the entire system and fate of nutrients in the soil, feed crops, feed regimes, and runoff potential of nutrients.

This Special Issue (original research papers, perspectives, hypotheses, opinions, reviews, modeling approaches and methods) aims to assemble contributions from researchers working in diverse disciplines related to plant nutrient–crop interactions, focusing on the role of PGPBs in fertilization applications. Studies related to PGPB and beneficial elements (e.g., Se, Si, Co, among others), heavy metals (e.g., Pb, Cr, Cd, As, Hg, among others) and/or under harsh environmental conditions are also welcome.

Prof. Dr. Fernando Shintate Galindo
Prof. Dr. Marcelo Carvalho Minhoto Teixeira Filho
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • nutrient acquisition
  • nutrient use efficiency
  • plant-growth-promoting bacteria
  • sustainable agriculture
  • biofertilizers
  • inoculants
  • nutrient solubilization
  • biological nitrogen fixation
  • beneficial elements
  • heavy metals

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 2167 KiB  
Article
Inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense Strains AbV5 and AbV6 Increases Nutrition, Chlorophyll, and Leaf Yield of Hydroponic Lettuce
by Carlos Eduardo da Silva Oliveira, Arshad Jalal, Letícia Schenaide Vitória, Victoria Moraes Giolo, Thaissa Julyanne Soares Sena Oliveira, Jailson Vieira Aguilar, Liliane Santos de Camargos, Matheus Ribeiro Brambilla, Guilherme Carlos Fernandes, Pablo Forlan Vargas, Tiago Zoz and Marcelo Carvalho Minhoto Teixeira Filho
Plants 2023, 12(17), 3107; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12173107 - 29 Aug 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1900
Abstract
Inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense has promisingly increased plant yield and nutrient acquisition. The study aimed to estimate the dose of A. brasilense that increases yield, gas exchange, nutrition, and foliar nitrate reduction. The research was carried out in a greenhouse at Ilha Solteira, [...] Read more.
Inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense has promisingly increased plant yield and nutrient acquisition. The study aimed to estimate the dose of A. brasilense that increases yield, gas exchange, nutrition, and foliar nitrate reduction. The research was carried out in a greenhouse at Ilha Solteira, in a hydroponic system in randomized blocks with four replicates. The treatments consisted of doses of inoculation with A. brasilense strains AbV5 and AbV6 via nutrient solution (0, 8, 16, 32, and 64 mL 100 L−1). Inoculation with A. brasilense at calculated doses between 20 and 44 mL provided the highest fresh and dry mass of shoots and roots, number of leaves, and leaf yield. In addition, the calculated doses of inoculation with A. brasilense increased the accumulation of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Fe, Mn, and Zn in shoots and roots, except the accumulation of Ca in roots. It also increased cell membrane integrity index (15%), relative water content (13%), net photosynthesis rate (85%), intracellular CO2 concentration (15%), total chlorophyll (46%), stomatal conductance (56%), transpiration (15%), and water use efficiency (59%). Hence, inoculation with A. brasilense at doses between 20 and 44 mL 100 L−1 is considered the best approach for increasing the growth, yield, accumulation of nutrients, and gas exchange of hydroponically grown iceberg lettuce. Full article
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16 pages, 1679 KiB  
Article
Technological Quality of Sugarcane Inoculated with Plant-Growth-Promoting Bacteria and Residual Effect of Phosphorus Rates
by Guilherme Carlos Fernandes, Poliana Aparecida Leonel Rosa, Arshad Jalal, Carlos Eduardo da Silva Oliveira, Fernando Shintate Galindo, Ronaldo da Silva Viana, Pedro Henrique Gomes De Carvalho, Edson Cabral da Silva, Thiago Assis Rodrigues Nogueira, Abdulaziz A. Al-Askar, Amr H. Hashem, Hamada AbdElgawad and Marcelo Carvalho Minhoto Teixeira Filho
Plants 2023, 12(14), 2699; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12142699 - 20 Jul 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1463
Abstract
Phosphate fertilization in highly weathered soils has been a major challenge for sugarcane production. The objective of this work was to evaluate the foliar levels of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) and the technological quality and productivity of second ratoon cane as a [...] Read more.
Phosphate fertilization in highly weathered soils has been a major challenge for sugarcane production. The objective of this work was to evaluate the foliar levels of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) and the technological quality and productivity of second ratoon cane as a function of inoculation with plant-growth-promoting bacteria (PGPBs) together with the residual effect of phosphate fertilization. The experiment was carried out at the research and extension farm of Ilha Solteira, state of São Paulo, Brazil. The experiment was designed in a randomized block with three replications in a 5 × 8 factorial scheme. The treatments consisted of five residual doses of phosphorus (0, 45, 90, 135 and 180 kg ha−1 of P2O5, 46% P) applied at planting from the source of triple superphosphate and eight inoculations from three species of PGPB (Azospirillum brasilense, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas fluorescens), applied in single or co-inoculation at the base of stems of sugarcane variety RB92579. Inoculation with PGPBs influenced leaf N concentration, while inoculations with Pseudomonas fluorescens and combinations of bacteria together with the highest doses exerted a positive effect on leaf P concentration. Co-inoculation with A. brasilense + Pseudomonas fluorescens associated with a residual dose of 135 kg ha−1 of P2O5 increased stem productivity by 42%. Thus, it was concluded that inoculations with Pseudomonas fluorescens and their combinations are beneficial for the sugarcane crop, reducing phosphate fertilization and increasing productivity. Full article
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14 pages, 1413 KiB  
Article
Soybean Yield and Nutrition Grown on the Straw of Grain Sorghum Inoculated with Azospirillum brasilense and Intercropped with BRS Paiaguás Grass
by Deyvison de Asevedo Soares, Viviane Cristina Modesto, Allan Hisashi Nakao, Wellington Rosa Soares, Leandro Alves Freitas, Lourdes Dickmann, Isabô Melina Pascoaloto and Marcelo Andreotti
Plants 2023, 12(10), 2007; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12102007 - 17 May 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1753
Abstract
The adoption of diversified agricultural systems that employ integrated cultural practices appears to be the way to sustainably intensify tropical agriculture. Our objectives were to evaluate the dry matter (DM) accumulation of sorghum inoculated with Azospirillum brasilense, with or without a nitrogen [...] Read more.
The adoption of diversified agricultural systems that employ integrated cultural practices appears to be the way to sustainably intensify tropical agriculture. Our objectives were to evaluate the dry matter (DM) accumulation of sorghum inoculated with Azospirillum brasilense, with or without a nitrogen fertilization split, intercropped with palisade grass (Urochloa brizantha cv. BRS Paiaguás), and how these practices influenced the nutrition and development of soybean in succession. The design was a randomized complete block in a 2 × 2 × 3 factorial, consisting of sorghum monoculture cropped or intercropped with palisade grass, sorghum either inoculated or not with A. brasilense, and nitrogen applied at 120 kg ha−1 N only at sowing, only at topdressing, or split—30% at sowing and 70% at topdressing at the beginning of the panicle initiation stage. The residual impacts of these treatments on the following soybean crop were also evaluated. Higher DM yield occurred in sorghum inoculated with A. brasilense, however, this result varied by year. The sorghum–palisade grass intercrop produced a higher amount of straw than sorghum monoculture. The nutrition of soybean was adequate regardless of treatments, but grain yield was higher when the sorghum residue was inoculated. The inoculation of A. brasilense in sorghum intercropped with palisade grass increased yield. The nutrition of soybean was adequate regardless of the treatments, while grain yield was higher on the inoculated sorghum residues. The inoculation of A. brasilense in sorghum intercropped with palisade grass increased DM yield. The intercropping increased the production of biomass for animal grazing and DM for soil coverage. The inoculation of sorghum by A. brasilense and its intercropping with palisade grass contributed to higher soybean yield in succession. Full article
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Review

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15 pages, 1996 KiB  
Review
Interaction of Zinc Mineral Nutrition and Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria in Tropical Agricultural Systems: A Review
by Arshad Jalal, Enes Furlani Júnior and Marcelo Carvalho Minhoto Teixeira Filho
Plants 2024, 13(5), 571; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13050571 - 20 Feb 2024
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2773
Abstract
The relationship between zinc mineral nutrition and plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) is pivotal in enhancing agricultural productivity, especially in tropical regions characterized by diverse climatic conditions and soil variability. This review synthesizes and critically evaluates current knowledge regarding the synergistic interaction between zinc [...] Read more.
The relationship between zinc mineral nutrition and plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) is pivotal in enhancing agricultural productivity, especially in tropical regions characterized by diverse climatic conditions and soil variability. This review synthesizes and critically evaluates current knowledge regarding the synergistic interaction between zinc mineral nutrition and PGPB in tropical agricultural systems. Zinc is an essential and fundamental micronutrient for various physiological and biochemical processes in plants. Its deficiency affects plant growth and development, decreasing yields and nutritional quality. In tropical regions, where soil zinc availability is often limited or imbalanced, the PGPB, through different mechanisms such as Zn solubilization; siderophore production; and phytohormone synthesis, supports Zn uptake and assimilation, thereby facilitating the adverse effects of zinc deficiency in plants. This review outlines the impacts of Zn–PGPB interactions on plant growth, root architecture, and productivity in tropical agricultural systems. The positive relationship between PGPB and plants facilitates Zn uptake and improves nutrient use efficiency, overall crop performance, and agronomic biofortification. In addition, this review highlights the importance of considering indigenous PGPB strains for specific tropical agroecosystems, acknowledging their adaptability to local conditions and their potential in sustainable agricultural practices. It is concluded that Zn fertilizer and PGPBs have synergistic interactions and can offer promising avenues for sustainable agriculture, addressing nutritional deficiencies, improving crop resilience, and ensuring food security. Full article
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