The Form of N Supply Determines Plant Growth Promotion by P-Solubilizing Microorganisms in Maize.

ABSTRACT: Phosphate-(P)-solubilizing microorganisms (PSM) are important drivers of P cycling in natural and agro-ecosystems. Their use as plant inoculants to improve P acquisition of crops has been investigated for decades. However, limited reproducibility of the expected effects, particularly under field conditions, remains a major challenge. This study demonstrates that the form of nitrogen fertilization has a significant impact on the performance of various fungal and bacterial PSM inoculants in maize grown on neutral to alkaline soils with limited P availability. Under these conditions, a high soil pH-buffering capacity frequently limits the efficiency of nutrient mobilization, mediated by plant roots and microorganisms via rhizosphere acidification. In a soil pH range between 7.0 and 8.0, nitra

SUBMITTER: Mpanga IK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6406690 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature