Novel approaches for alleviating shallow soil compaction using microbial fertilizers and their beneficial impacts on plant growth and soil physicochemical properties

Abstract

Soil compaction stress on plants remains widespread despite the presence of various mitigation methods. To address this concern, we conducted a series of studies from 2021 to 2023. Preliminary tests assessed the effects of the combined application of yeast and glucose on the porosity of compacted soil and on turfgrass growth under conditions of soil compaction. In subsequent dose screening studies, two-factor tests were performed to identify the best combination of yeast and glucose doses that enhance soil porosity and promote turfgrass growth under compaction stress. Therewith, we evaluated the effects of the identified best combination of yeast and glucose on plant growth and on physicochemical properties of shallow soil. It was found that the best dose for enhancing turfgrass growth in compacted soil was 200 g of yeast and 200 g of glucose per square meter. This combination significantly improved turf quality by 40 %, reduced soil bulk density by 9.11 %, and enhanced soil nutrition within 28 days. Additionally, notable enhancements in plant growth were observed in coastal saline-alkali lands and alpine meadows. The findings suggest that this innovative microbial-based approach could substantially improve plant growth under soil compaction stress. Furthermore, it proposes that investigating composite microbial inoculants, incorporating cellulose-degrading microbes, could concurrently address crop straw accumulation and extensive soil compaction.