Effects of Bacillus sp. MR‐1/2 and magnetite nanoparticles on yield improvement of rice by urea fertilizer under different watering regimes

Abstract

Aims:The present research aimed to examine the use of magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) in combination with phyto-beneficial rhizobacterium (PhBR) for improvement of applied N recovery (ANR) from urea fertilizer in rice grown under deficient and optimum watering conditions. Methods and Results: The Bacillus sp. MR-1/2 was positive for acetylene reduction, phosphate solubilization and ACC deaminase activity at temperature ranges 35-45°C. In a pot experiment, urea, MNPs and Bacillus sp. MR-1/2 were applied either alone or in combination to rice plants grown in pots under water deficit and optimal watering conditions. Combined application of urea, MNPs and Bacillus sp. MR-1/2 increased the plant N content and ANR by 27 and 65%, respectively, over their respective control values in rice grown under optimum watering conditions, whereas these increases were 27 and 41%, respectively, in rice grown under water deficit conditions. This treatment also increased the kernel weight and plant dry matter by 36 and 60%, respectively, over control (urea alone) values in rice grown under water deficit conditions, whereas these increases were 31 and 21Á8%, respectively, in rice grown under optimum watering conditions. Values of malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase and ethylene concentration were higher in control treatment under both the watering regimes. The application of Bacillus sp. MR-1/2 either alone or in combination with MNPs and urea reduced MDA contents, APX, catalase and ethylene production in the rice plants. Conclusion:The combined application of MNPs+Bacillus sp. MR-1/2 reduced the N losses from applied urea, increased N uptake and ANR in rice, decreased MDA contents, APX and catalase activity and ethylene level in rice grown under deficit and optimum water conditions. Significance and Impact of the Study: The application of MNPs together with Bacillus sp. MR-1/2 may help to increase ANR and rice productivity under water deficit conditions with low cost of production.

Editorial: Alternative fertilizer harnessing plant-microbe interactions (AFPMI) for improved soil and plantnutrient management

“…One effective approach is to use Alternative Fertilizer Harnessing Plant-Microbe Interactions (AFPMI) which combine types of fertilizers like organic, chemical, nano, and bio fertilizers. This holistic method helps in development and proliferation of soil edaphon ( Amin and Mihoub, 2021 ; Daraz et al., 2021 ; Tahir et al., 2021 ; Babar et al., 2022 ), which have a vital role in enhancing soil structure and fertility ( Khan et al., 2022 ; Jamal et al., 2023 ). By adopting practices that involve Alternative Fertilizers Harnessing Plant-Microbe Interactions, farmers can establish soils that’re better equipped to endure harsh weather conditions and get high economic yields from crops.…”

“…Improved crop yield has been embraced through the adoption of AFPMI practices towards increased production levels required for food security cases ( Ahmad et al., 2022 ; Jamal et al., 2023 ). AFPMI has tremendous benefits concerning the improvement of soil fertility and acidity vis-à-vis the apparent effects of environmental change such as heavy metals, long droughts, and salt stress ( Hamid et al., 2021 ; Tahir et al., 2021 ; Ahmad et al., 2022 ; Daraz et al., 2023 ). AFPMI techniques are used by farmers to protect food crops from nutrient deficiency, promote uniformity, and predictable food production ( Daraz et al., 2021 ; Hussain et al., 2022 ).…”