Rhizobium and Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria Influence the Soil Nutrient Availability, Growth, Yield, and Quality of Soybean

Abstract

Crop production encounters challenges due to the dearth of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), while excessive use of chemical fertilizers causes environmental hazards. Use of rhizobium and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) can be a sustainable strategy to overcome these problems. Hence, a pot experiment was conducted following a completely randomized design to explore the impact of nitrogen fixing bacteria and PSB on the growth, yield, and quality attributes of soybean alongside soil nutrient availability using Rhizobium japonicum and Pseudomonas striata. The experiment consisted of two factors—R. japonicum (100% N, R. japonicum alone or with 50% N and control) and P. striata (100% P, P. striata with 75% P and control). Results revealed a significant influence of interaction on seed N, yield, protein, oil, and nodules of soybean. Microbial inoculants with or without N and P fertilizers produced a statistically similar yield as 100% N and P. Furthermore, R. japonicum and P. striata along with 50% N and 75% P increased 7% protein and 19% oil than 100% N and P. R. japonicum enhanced soil N content and P. striata improved soil phosphorus availability. Overall, R. japonicum and P. striata inoculation with 50% N and 75% P can potentially improve the yield and the quality of soybean and soil nutrient conditions.