Summary
This narrative review examines the potential of elite plant-growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPM) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi as inoculants to restore productivity and sustainability in degraded grassland pastures. The authors synthesise global evidence on microbial mechanisms—including phytohormone production, nutrient mineralisation, nitrogen fixation, and biocontrol—and identify key bacterial genera (Azospirillum, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, rhizobia) and grass species (Urocholoa, Megathyrsus, Paspalum, Cynodon, Agropyron) most extensively studied. Although microbial inoculant use has grown globally, adoption on grass pastures remains modest despite their degraded state and high potential for improvement.
UK applicability
The review's emphasis on Urocholoa, Megathyrsus, and other tropical/subtropical pasture species limits direct applicability to UK temperate grasslands. However, the principles of PGPM-mediated nutrient cycling, root expansion, and biocontrol may be relevant to UK pasture restoration, particularly under organic or regenerative systems seeking to reduce synthetic inputs.
Key measures
Root and shoot growth; forage biomass yield and quality; nutrient content in biomass; water and nutrient uptake; biocontrol efficacy against pathogens
Outcomes reported
The review synthesises evidence on how plant-growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPM) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) improve forage biomass quality and quantity in degraded grass pastures. It documents mechanisms of microbial action including phytohormone synthesis, nutrient mineralisation, biological nitrogen fixation, and biocontrol.
Topic tags
Dig deeper with Pulse AI.
Pulse AI has read the whole catalogue. Ask about this record, its theme, or how the findings apply to UK farming and policy — every answer cites the underlying studies.