Fungal endophytes influence soil organic carbon and nitrogen fractions promoting carbon sequestration and improving grain yield in soybean.

ABSTRACT: Fungal endophyte inoculants present a promising avenue for enhancing carbon sequestration in agricultural systems. These endophytes can significantly influence soil organic carbon (SOC) and nitrogen (N) fractions by modulating root exudation, soil aggregation, and organic matter decomposition. We investigated the effectiveness of commercial-stage fungal endophyte seed inoculants in an Australian soybean field trial to increase yield, total SOC, stable SOC fractions, and soil N. After one growing season, specific inoculants (Thozetella sp. and Leptodontidium sp.) and dosages increased soybean grain yield and stocks of soil organic matter (SOM) as aggregate occluded particulate organic matter (oPOM) C and N, and mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM) C and N in the topsoil layer (0-15 cm).

SUBMITTER: Singh V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11968937 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature