Summary
This controlled experiment evaluated the combined application of the plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium Azospirillum brasilense with bentonite clay amendment on wheat production and soil fertility. Co-application at the higher bentonite rate (10 g kg⁻¹ soil) resulted in substantial gains in grain yield (42%), LAI (20.2%), and stomatal conductance (13.88%), mediated through increased soil organic matter, enhanced microbial activity, and improved soil water retention. The findings suggest synergistic benefits of microbial inoculant and mineral soil amendment for cereal productivity in controlled conditions.
UK applicability
Applicability to UK wheat production would depend on verification in field conditions and UK soil types; the study was conducted under controlled wirehouse conditions, which may not fully represent variable UK climate and soil variability. The approach could complement existing UK soil improvement strategies if field validation confirms benefits in temperate cereal systems.
Key measures
Grain yield (%), leaf area index (LAI, %), stomatal conductance (%), soil organic matter content, microbial activities, soil water availability, growth hormone production
Outcomes reported
The study measured agronomic, physiological, and soil-related parameters in response to sole and combined applications of Azospirillum brasilense and bentonite. Key outcomes included grain yield increase, leaf area index, stomatal conductance, soil organic matter content, and microbial activity.
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