Sustainable lentil intensification in rice-fallow systems through bioaugmentation with atypical rhizobia and endophytes modulates rhizosphere and nodule microbiome dynamics.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Rice-fallow agroecosystems face challenges such as poor soil fertility and low crop productivity. This study evaluates a multi-species bacterial consortium-comprising atypical rhizobia (Pararhizobium giardinii, Ochrobactrum sp.) and non-rhizobial endophytes (Serratia plymuthica, Serratia sp.)-for improving lentil cultivation in these soils. Multilocation field trials assessed its effects on plant growth, soil nutrients, microbial diversity, and nifH gene expression in nodules. The goal is to offer a sustainable, biologically based alternative to chemical fertilizers like diammonium phosphate (DAP), enhancing soil health and enabling lentil intensification on fallow land.

Results

In greenhouse pot experiments, the bacterial consortium increased lentil growth by 166

SUBMITTER: Debnath S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12487459 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature