Biofertilizers and performance of Paenibacillus in the absorption of macronutrients by cowpea bean and soil fertility

Abstract

ABSTRACT The study was conducted in a greenhouse at the Agricultural Research Corporation of Rio Grande do Norte (EMPARN), in order to evaluate the effect of biofertilizers and potassium phosphate rocks, triple superphosphate (TSP) and potassium chloride (KCl), crushed rocks on the chemical properties of the soil and performance of the bacteria Paenibacillus polymyxa in the absorption of macronutrients by the cowpea bean crop. An Ultisol (10 kg per pot) was used with the addition of biofertilizers at levels 40, 70, 100 and 200% of recommendation for TSP and KCl, inoculated or not with bacteria. There was an effect of fertilization on the absorption of macronutrients, being the best results for P and K with TSP + KCL, and N, Ca and Mg for the biofertilizers. In the chemical properties of the soil, the pH was lower in biofertilizers of higher levels, but it was better especially with its addition to P (BPK200). For Ca it was better with TSP + KCl, and Mg with pure rock. The P. polymyxa did not influence in absorption of elements by the plant. The biofertilizers and rocks could satisfy the nutrient needs of the plants by making them potential for sustainable agriculture.