Potential of Indigenous Rhizosphere N2-Fixing Bacteria in Improving Soil Properties, Growth and Yield of Maize on Alluvial Soils in the Dyke System
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48048/tis.2025.10446Keywords:
Enterobacter asburiae ASD-07, E. asburiae ASD-28, Nitrogen fixation, Rhizospheric bacteria, VietnamAbstract
Nitrogen (N) deficiency hinders maize cultivation in diked alluvial soils (AS), and chemical N fertilizers can harm the environment. This study aimed to (i) select N2-fixing bacteria from maize rhizospheres in AS; (ii) evaluate their effects on soil fertility, N uptake, and maize growth and yield. Thirty-six soil samples from maize fields in An Giang, Vietnam, were collected to isolate bacteria. A pot experiment followed with 9 treatments: (i) 100 % N of the recommended fertilizer dose (RFD), (ii) 85 % N of RFD, (iii) 70% N of RFD, (iv) 55% N of RFD, (v) 85% N of RFD with 2 N2-fixing rhizospheric bacteria (RB) isolates, (vi) 70% N of RFD with RB, (vii) 55% N of RFD with RB, (viii) 0% N of RFD with RB, and (ix) 0% N of RFD. Out of 67 isolates, Enterobacter asburiae ASD-07 and E. asburiae ASD-28 were selected. The amount of available nitrogen in the soil was high in the treatments with low nitrogen fertilization, specifically 0% N + RB and 55% N + RB. However, the amount of nitrogen absorbed by the plants was highest in the treatments with 100% N and 85% N + RB. The highest grain yield was observed in the 85% N + RB treatment, which increased by 7.2% compared to 100% N fertilization and by 12.6% compared to the treatment receiving 85% N. These results indicate that E. asburiae ASD-07 and ASD-28 may have the potential to reduce the use of inorganic fertilizers and minimize environmental impact.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Top N2-Fixing Isolates: Enterobacter asburiae ASD-07 and ASD-28, identified via 16S rDNA sequencing, were the most effective among 17 N2-fixing isolates from 67 tested.
- Nutrient boost: increased NH4+ uptake by 7.4 mg kg−1 and total N by 0.87 g pot−1 compared to no biofertilizer.
- Growth and Yield Gains: Biofertilizer raised plant height by 5.3%, stem diameter by 6.0%, cob length by 9.2%, and yield by 12.6% compare to 85% N of RFD.
- Fertilizer Reduction: The isolates replaced 15% of inorganic N fertilizer without compromising maize growth and yield, suggesting field study potential.
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
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