The Native Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Vermicompost-Based Organic Amendments Enhance Soil Fertility, Growth Performance, and the Drought Stress Tolerance of Quinoa

Abstract

The present study aimed to determine the effects of biostimulants on the physicochemical parameters of the agricultural soil of quinoa under two water regimes and to understand the mode of action of the biostimulants on quinoa for drought adaptation. We investigated the impact of two doses of vermicompost (5 and 10 t/ha) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi applied individually, or in joint application, on attenuating the negative impacts of water shortage and improving the agro-physiological and biochemical traits of quinoa, as well as soil fertility, under two water regimes (well-watered and drought stress) in open field conditions. Exposure to drought decreased biomass, leaf water potential, and stomatal conductance, and increased malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide content. Mycorrhiza and/or vermicompost promoted plant growth by activating photosynthesis machinery and nutrient assimilation, leading to increased total soluble sugars, proteins, and antioxidant enzyme activities in the leaf and root. After the experiment, the soil’s total organic matter, phosphorus, nitrogen, calcium, and soil glomalin content improved by the single or combined application of mycorrhiza and vermicompost. This knowledge suggests that the combination of mycorrhiza and vermicompost regulates the physiological and biochemical processes employed by quinoa in coping with drought and improves the understanding of soil–plant interaction.

Soil Microorganisms and Seaweed Application With Supplementary Irrigation Improved Physiological Traits and Yield of Two Dryland Wheat Cultivars

“…Plants create ROS, such as H 2 O 2 , to combat abiotic stresses. Drought-induced H 2 O 2 generation damages membranes and disrupts plant cell redox control ( Benaffari et al, 2022 ). The Sirvan cultivar contained higher H 2 O 2 than the Sardari ( Tables 4 , 5 ).…”

“…AMF protects mitochondrial and chloroplast electron transporters by fine-tuning antioxidant components that eliminate H 2 O 2 ( Mona et al, 2017 ). According to Benaffari et al (2022) , inoculating quinoa with mycorrhiza improves the antioxidant system and increases the activity of antioxidant enzymes in quinoa organs. Antioxidant enzymes and metabolites help to remove ROS and reduce oxidative stress in plant cells.…”

“…This subject lowered the amount of H 2 O 2 ( Figure 6 ) and perhaps other reactive oxygen species that damage plant cell membranes. Drought tolerance mechanisms in quinoa plants inoculated with MA fungus help to limit ROS and maintain antioxidant levels, according to the study by Benaffari et al (2022) . The AsA-GSH cycle contains antioxidant enzymes and electron donors.…”

“…Seaweed extract significantly increased wheat grain yield compared to non-using these compounds under optimal irrigation conditions. In practical and experimental terms, mechanisms, such as increasing soil fertility and promoting plant growth, and physiological and biochemical properties of quinoa, continuously improved antioxidant enzyme defense and reduced the accumulation of oxidative stress markers ( Benaffari et al, 2022 ). Genes associated with photosynthesis, nitrogen metabolism, polysaccharide synthesis, and signal transduction also influence ups and downs.…”

Long-Term Fertilization Alters Mycorrhizal Colonization Strategy in the Roots of Agrostis capillaris

“…Disruption of mycorrhizal communities is primarily due to the type of management applied to the grassland, especially the type of fertilization [37][38][39]. Organic inputs are considered to increase the mycorrhizal process of plant species [40][41][42] and mineral inputs act differently or promote or slow down the process [43,44]. Nitrogen fertilization enhances the symbiotic process only if the phosphorus is deficient in the soil, whereas if the phosphorus is in the right amount in the soil the nitrogen fertilization leads to a destabilization of the symbiosis [45].…”