Field-based evaluation of multi-strain PGPR to improve zea mays yield and soil nutrient dynamics in semi-arid of Türkiye
Abstract Soil fertility decline and overuse of agrochemicals threaten sustainable maize (Zea mays L.) production in semi-arid regions of Türkiye. Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) offer a biologically based alternative by enhancing nutrient uptake, root development, and soil health. In this fie...
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Nature Portfolio
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Scientific Reports |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-07643-w |
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| author | Pakize Ozlem Kurt |
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| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Soil fertility decline and overuse of agrochemicals threaten sustainable maize (Zea mays L.) production in semi-arid regions of Türkiye. Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) offer a biologically based alternative by enhancing nutrient uptake, root development, and soil health. In this field-based study, we evaluated the effects of a five-strain PGPR consortium (Azotobacter spp., Bacillus sp., Paenibacillus sp., Pantoea sp., and Pseudomonas sp.) on maize productivity and soil nutrient dynamics. A randomized split-plot design was used, involving four commercial maize hybrids and four inoculant doses (0, 100, 130, 160 mL/da). PGPR application significantly improved soil organic matter, phosphorus availability, and cation exchange capacity, particularly at the tasseling stage. The 130 mL/da dose yielded the highest grain productivity, suggesting optimized biological nitrogen fixation and water-use efficiency. Leaf analysis at the V15 stage revealed genotype-specific nutrient responses and elevated Zn and Cu levels under inoculated treatments, indicating enhanced micronutrient solubilization but also potential risk of nutrient imbalance. Our findings support the use of non-commercial, field-formulated PGPR consortia as a scalable component of sustainable maize systems, especially under climate-stressed conditions. The cultivar × dose interaction underscores the need for genotype-specific microbial strategies in precision agriculture. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-cce4f5b241674d018acb2fdd2f701092 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2045-2322 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
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| spelling | doaj-art-cce4f5b241674d018acb2fdd2f7010922025-08-20T03:45:26ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-07-011511810.1038/s41598-025-07643-wField-based evaluation of multi-strain PGPR to improve zea mays yield and soil nutrient dynamics in semi-arid of TürkiyePakize Ozlem Kurt0Department of Park and Garden Plants, Vocational School of Technical Sciences, Bursa Uludag UniversityAbstract Soil fertility decline and overuse of agrochemicals threaten sustainable maize (Zea mays L.) production in semi-arid regions of Türkiye. Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) offer a biologically based alternative by enhancing nutrient uptake, root development, and soil health. In this field-based study, we evaluated the effects of a five-strain PGPR consortium (Azotobacter spp., Bacillus sp., Paenibacillus sp., Pantoea sp., and Pseudomonas sp.) on maize productivity and soil nutrient dynamics. A randomized split-plot design was used, involving four commercial maize hybrids and four inoculant doses (0, 100, 130, 160 mL/da). PGPR application significantly improved soil organic matter, phosphorus availability, and cation exchange capacity, particularly at the tasseling stage. The 130 mL/da dose yielded the highest grain productivity, suggesting optimized biological nitrogen fixation and water-use efficiency. Leaf analysis at the V15 stage revealed genotype-specific nutrient responses and elevated Zn and Cu levels under inoculated treatments, indicating enhanced micronutrient solubilization but also potential risk of nutrient imbalance. Our findings support the use of non-commercial, field-formulated PGPR consortia as a scalable component of sustainable maize systems, especially under climate-stressed conditions. The cultivar × dose interaction underscores the need for genotype-specific microbial strategies in precision agriculture.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-07643-wPGPRZea maysSoil fertilityBiological inoculantsSustainable intensification |
| spellingShingle | Pakize Ozlem Kurt Field-based evaluation of multi-strain PGPR to improve zea mays yield and soil nutrient dynamics in semi-arid of Türkiye Scientific Reports PGPR Zea mays Soil fertility Biological inoculants Sustainable intensification |
| title | Field-based evaluation of multi-strain PGPR to improve zea mays yield and soil nutrient dynamics in semi-arid of Türkiye |
| title_full | Field-based evaluation of multi-strain PGPR to improve zea mays yield and soil nutrient dynamics in semi-arid of Türkiye |
| title_fullStr | Field-based evaluation of multi-strain PGPR to improve zea mays yield and soil nutrient dynamics in semi-arid of Türkiye |
| title_full_unstemmed | Field-based evaluation of multi-strain PGPR to improve zea mays yield and soil nutrient dynamics in semi-arid of Türkiye |
| title_short | Field-based evaluation of multi-strain PGPR to improve zea mays yield and soil nutrient dynamics in semi-arid of Türkiye |
| title_sort | field based evaluation of multi strain pgpr to improve zea mays yield and soil nutrient dynamics in semi arid of turkiye |
| topic | PGPR Zea mays Soil fertility Biological inoculants Sustainable intensification |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-07643-w |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT pakizeozlemkurt fieldbasedevaluationofmultistrainpgprtoimprovezeamaysyieldandsoilnutrientdynamicsinsemiaridofturkiye |