Impact of phosphorus formulations on wheat growth and its associated microbiota

English. Environmental concerns have driven the need to adopt agricultural practices that prioritize sustainability and environmental stewardship. Phosphorus (P) fertilization, combined with the use of beneficial microorganisms, might be included among these practices. This study investigates the effects of two P fertilizer formulations, orthophosphate (Ortho-P) and polyphosphate (Poly-P), on wheat physiology, microbial dynamics and diversity. The research aims to understand how these fertilizers influence plant-microbe interactions in the rhizosphere and rhizoplane. Wheat, a globally critical staple crop, was grown in phosphorus-deficient soils under controlled greenhouse conditions, and the impacts of the fertilizers on plant growth, photosynthetic efficiency, and microbial communities were evaluated. Poly-P fertilizers, characterized by their slow-release properties, demonstrated an ability to sustain phosphorus availability throughout the wheat growth cycle. Both fertilizer types improved shoot biomass and chlorophyll content, although their influence on microbial diversity varied across plant growth stages and rhizo-compartments. High-throughput sequencing revealed shifts in microbial community composition in the rhizosphere, with specific bacterial taxa showing putative roles in phosphorus solubilization and nutrient cycling. Despite the promising results, the combined application of Poly-P and specific bacterial strains, -capable of P, K, and Zn solubilization, HCN production, IAA (indole-3-acetic acid) production, ammonia production, and exhibiting biocontrol activity against Fusarium culmorum-, did not yield significant improvements in crop growth, highlighting the need for further optimization. Despite the promising results, the combined application of Poly-P and specific bacterial strains did not yield significant improvements in crop growth, highlighting the need for further optimization. Future research should focus on field trials to validate these findings under diverse environmental conditions and assess the long-term effects on soil health and microbial diversity. These results provide a preliminary foundation for developing integrated phosphorus management strategies that combine microbial inoculants and advanced fertilizer formulations to enhance crop productivity and sustainability.

SoilPhorLife -6-

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