Background:The objective of this research was to evaluate, in saline-sodic soils, the effect of the application of a low rank coal (LRC), lignite type, along with an inoculation of bacteria that release humified organic matter (HOM) from this type of coal. The soil microbial activity and related coal biosolubilization enzymes mediated by microorganisms were determined along with the chemical variables associated with saline-sodic soils with testing under controlled conditions in a greenhouse.Results: Adding 1 % LRC and the solubilizing coal bacteria: Bacillus mycoides, Acinetobacter baumannii and Microbacterium sp., to a saline-sodic soil led to an increase in the soil respiration, microbiological activity, cation exchange capacity, and activity of the enzymes LiP and Lac. A decrease in the electrical conductivity, sodium adsorption ratio and percent saturation of sodium, except pH, was found.
Conclusions:The present findings suggest the possibility of using LRC as a possible organic amendment in salinesodic soil, where the microbial activity can take place to accelerate the biotransformation processes of LRC to contribute to the rehabilitation of these disturbed soils.