Unraveling the Novel Synergistic Effects of Crop Rotation and Rhodopseudomonas palustris Inoculation on Rice Productivity and Soil Nutrient Dynamics

Abstract

Background and Aim The use of beneficial bacteria, such as purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB), has shown great potential for improving plant growth and agricultural production. However, the full extent of their benefits and interaction with agricultural practices is yet to be fully understood. The present study aimed to investigate the synergistic effects of PNSB and crop rotation on rice growth and yield in a field setting and to explore the underlying plant and soil mechanisms by which these practices can benefit farming systems. Methods The experiment was conducted over two rice cropping seasons, with djulis grown between the rice crops as a rotation crop. Data on the growth and yield of rice was collected and statistically analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan's multiple range test. Results The study demonstrates that PNSB treatment significantly increased the concentration of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) in plants, indicating enhanced photosynthesis. Moreover, when combined with crop rotation, PNSB remarkably improved soil fertility. These combined benefits resulted in substantial increases in tiller numbers (163%), leaf chlorophyll content (13%), and lodging resistance (66%) compared to the control. The combined treatment also resulted in higher productive tillers per hill (98%), average grain per hill (106%), and grain fertility (37%). This led to increased grain yield (104%), shoot dry weight (28%), and harvest index (54%). Conclusion Our study indicates that a combined approach of PNSB inoculation and crop rotation can effectively enhance the growth and yield of rice plants. These findings have significant implications for sustainable rice production and could potentially contribute to addressing global food security challenges. Improving plant growth and yield could help meet the increasing demand for rice in the face of a growing global population.