Potential of Biostimulants Based on PGPR Rhizobacteria Native to Benin’s Soils on the Growth and Yield of Maize (<i>Zea mays </i> L.) under Greenhouse Conditions

Abstract

The application of biostimulants in agriculture represents an environmentally friendly alternative while increasing agricultural production. The aims of the study were to develop solid biostimulants based on five rhizobacteria native to Benin's soils and to evaluate their efficacy on the growth and biomass yield of maize under greenhouse conditions on ferrallitic and ferruginous soils. Clay and peat were used as a conservation binder for the preparation of the biostimulants. These binders were used alone or combined in the different formulations with maize flour and sucrose. 10 g of biostimulants were applied at sowing in pots containing five kilograms of sterilised soil. The experimental design was a completely randomised block of 24 treatments with three replicates. The results obtained showed significant improvements (P < 0.001) in height (49.49%), stem diameter (32.7%), leaf area (66.10%), above-ground biomass (97.12%) and below-ground biomass (53.

The Effect of Organic Biostimulants on Beneficial Soil Microorganism Activity

“…This has been reported by several researchers previously [6]. Additionally, organic fertilizer alone increased soil health.…”

“…Biostimulants, such as blackstrap molasses, can increase the microbial activity of the soil, and therefore the health of the plants being grown [5]. Biostimulants have also been found to improve plant growth and productivity [6]. Additionally, the application of organic fertilizers provides essential elements for plants and microorganisms.…”

Significant Use of Molasses and foliar application of Ca (NO3)2 on Improving of some Soil properties and yield of Rice under salt affected soils

“…Soil stability, health, and workability can all be improved by adding bio-stimulant to soil that is a source of carbon and nitrogen (Neff, et al 2002). Blackstrap molasses is one example of a biostimulant that can boost the soil's microbial activity and, as a result, the health of the plants being grown (Mahmoud, et al 2020;Adoko, et al 2021). The higher rates of molasses solution (45 ml/3.8 L of water) exhibited significantly greater rates of CO 2 evolution and improved soil biological activity over a 4-week period, according to Waguespack et al (2022).…”

Bioformulations based on plant growth promoting rhizobacteria for sustainable agriculture: Biofertilizer or Biostimulant?

“…According to Calvo et al (2014), biostimulants enhance the uptake of water and nutrients from the soil, increase root growth and make plants more resistant to water and heat stress and excessive salinity, all of which reduce the need for pesticides (Childs and Beeson, 2000). The height, stem diameter, leaf area, above-ground biomass and below-ground biomass of maize under the influence of biostimulants were improved by 83.06, 44.57, 102.94, 86.84 and 42.68% respectively, compared to the control under greenhouse conditions (Adoko et al, 2021).…”