Summary
This 2023–2024 field trial evaluated co-inoculation of soybean seeds with Bradyrhizobium japonicum and Trichoderma viride, finding that the combined treatment increased seed yield by 25.6% over control, improved seed germination capacity to 80% and seedling length to 4.74 cm, and elevated soil enzyme activities and biological fertility indices. The results suggest co-inoculation offers an environmentally sustainable approach to stabilise soybean productivity under variable rainfall conditions, though the authors note that longer-term multi-year studies across diverse habitats are needed to confirm transferability.
Regional applicability
The study geography is not specified in the metadata, limiting direct application to United Kingdom conditions. However, the findings on microbial co-inoculation and soil enzyme dynamics are potentially relevant to UK organic and regenerative soybean production systems, particularly if trials are replicated under UK temperate rainfall patterns and soil conditions. Transferability would depend on climate analogy and local soil microbial communities.
Key measures
Seed yield (kg/ha), germination capacity (%), average seedling length (cm), soil enzyme activities (DHA, CAT, ACP, ALP), biological fertility index (BIF)
Outcomes reported
The study measured soybean seed yield, seed quality (germination capacity and seedling length), and soil biochemical activity (dehydrogenase, catalase, acid and alkaline phosphatase activities, and biological fertility index) in response to microbial seed inoculation treatments.
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