Researchers at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad have uncovered promising advancements in sustainable agriculture through biofertilizers, which significantly enhanced the growth and yield of chickpea plants. The study highlights how integrated nutrient management strategies can improve soil health and crop productivity.
Chickpeas, or Cicer arietinum, are cultivated globally on approximately 17.8 million hectares with an annual production of approximately 17.1 million tonnes. According to researchers, biofertilizers provide an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers by enhancing nutrient availability and promoting plant growth. This research draws attention to their potential benefits, particularly under arid and semi-arid conditions where soil fertility is often inadequate.
To investigate the efficacy of various biofertilizer treatments, the researchers implemented ten experimental combinations including different cocktails of pastel sulfur, powdered sulfur, sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB), and other nutrient-solubilizing bacteria. The enriched formulations were aimed at improving the soil microbial population and nutrient bioavailability.
Results indicated remarkable increases across various growth parameters. The maximum grain yield, identified at 186 g m², was associated with the combination of powdered sulfur and SOB alongside nitrogen-fixing bacteria and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria. The researchers reported increases of up to 52% compared to untreated plants, demonstrating how synergistic interactions between these microorganisms can significantly bolster crop production.
To assess the impact on plant vitality, metrics such as the number of pods per plant, protein content, and chlorophyll levels were analyzed. The findings revealed the highest protein content, reaching 17.35%, when SOB was combined with nitrogen-fixing and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria. This was nearly double the protein content observed for the control group.
Photosynthetic pigment analysis also showed enhanced results; the optimal conditions associated with the nitrogen-fixing and phosphate-solubilizing treatment demonstrated improvements of 40% for chlorophyll content and 54% for chlorophyll B, respectively. Increased chlorophyll correlates with improved photosynthetic efficiency, which is fundamental for plant growth, particularly under nutrient-limited conditions.
Researchers noted the significant effect of biofertilizers on soil quality, including enhanced nitrogen and phosphorus availability. Soil samples collected throughout the experiment indicated dramatic increases—93% for nitrogen and 91% for phosphorus—after treatments involving sulfur and microbial applications. This not only enhances nutrient uptake by plants but also mitigates reliance on synthetic fertilizers, promoting eco-sustainability.
The study's findings highlight the multifaceted role of biofertilizers, particularly those containing plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), which contribute to soil health by fixing atmospheric nitrogen and solubilizing phosphorus, which are key factors for plant nutrition.
Overall, this breakthrough research suggests the integration of microbial solutions like SOB and nitrogen-fixing bacteria as sustainable strategies for improving agricultural practices, particularly for crops like chickpeas, which are integral to food security and nutrition at the global level. Future studies will explore the long-term impacts of these treatments across various climatic conditions and soil types.