Integrated effects of microbial culture and nitrogen application on phytoremediation, physiology and growth of maize in glyphosate-contaminated soil.

Abstract

Glyphosate can disrupt the food chain and harm non-target organisms, highlighting the need to remediate contaminated soils. This study sought to determine the efficacy of co-applying mixed microbial culture (MMC) and two different levels of nitrogen (50% and 100%) in glyphosate-contaminated soil (800 mg/kg) and to assess their role in maize (Zea mays L.) growth and physiology and glyphosate uptake by plants and removal from soil. The results showed that glyphosate posed significant phytotoxicity to maize plants by causing up to 43.7-91.5%, 8.60-54.3%, and 13.2-51.6% reduction in nutrient uptake, physiological, and growth attributes of maize plants in glyphosate-contaminated soil, respectively. The co-application of MMC and the recommended dose of 100% nitrogen significantly improved the agronomic (24.6-55.0%), nutrient uptake (37.4-90.0%), and physiological (16.9-54.0%) attributes of maize plants as compared to unamended contaminated controls. Although the individual application of MMC or N was effective in improving glyphosate removal from the soil, their co-application further enhanced this effect by removing glyphosate 85.8% higher than the respective control. This research strategy contributes to sustainable development goal 2 (zero-hunger) and 15 (life on land) by enhancing food production, remediating contaminated soil, and restoring the ecosystem.