An Investigation of the Effect of Phosphate Dissolving Bacteria, Arbuscular mycorrhizal Fungi, Dry Yeast, and their Stimulating Effects on Faba Bean Plants and Plant Uptake of nutrients

Abstract

The optimization of crop productivity can be achieved by enhancing the bioavailability of phosphorus through the application of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria. So, a field experiment was undertaken to assess the impact of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (specifically Bacillus megaterium and Bacillus subtilis ) PSB and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi AMF on faba bean plants. Additionally, the study involved the foliar application of two concentrations of yeast extract as well as an examination of its effects on selected soil properties. The results revealed that the concurrent application of AMF and yeast at a rate of 10 g/L exhibited the most substantial enhancement in certain aspects of vegetative growth, including shoot height, root length, the number of branches per plant, as well as fresh and dry weight. Notably, this combined application also resulted in the most significant improvements in yield parameters such as pods per plant, pods weight per plant, 100-seed weight, seeds per pod, pod length, and overall seed yield. Moreover, the application of AMF and PSB contributed to the heightened activity of specific soil enzymes, namely dehydrogenase and phosphatase. This increase was notably close to reaching significance when compared to the control treatment. Consequently, it is advisable to consider the synergistic use of AMF, PSB, and yeast extract as an integrated and sustainable approach for enhancing crop performance. This recommendation holds particular relevance in regions where phosphorus availability is limited, presenting potential advantages for agricultural practices geared towards achieving higher yields and bolstering soil health.