Effect of biofilmed biofertilizers on potato yield through induced soil -plant interaction

Abstract

The current study aimed at developing and examining biofilmed biofertilizers (BFBFs) as an ameliorator for potato cultivation by enhancing soil-plant interaction. Fungal-bacterial biofilms (FBBs), the main ingredient of the BFBFs were developed using soil microorganisms and were screened for their efficacy. The best BFBF coupled with chemical fertilizers (CF) were evaluated for potato yield response and soil amelioration using two field experiments conducted (two seasons) under two different climatic conditions. Results showed that the 50CB treatment significantly (P < 0.05) increased tuber yield at both field sites in both seasons compared to the full recommended CF (100C). The treatment 50CB showed significant (P < 0.05) improvement in soil chemical properties; soil pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), available phosphorus (available P) and available calcium (Ca2+) in comparison with the 100C at both sites. However, 50CB did not show any significant difference in available nitrogen (available N) and available potassium (K+ ) in comparison with 100C. Further, internal biochemical properties of potato plant, e.g., chlorophyll content, stem sucrose content and tuber starch content were significantly (P < 0.05) improved by the 50CB. In addition, significant (P < 0.05) correlations were observed among soil pH, Ca2+, tuber starch and chlorophyll contents in the 50CB. Thus, it can be concluded that the enhanced soil chemical properties in the rhizosphere , i.e., pH, available Ca2+ and K+ , SOC, available P, available N from BFBF induced signals improved plant internal biochemical processes, thus leading to the increased potato yield. The BFBF (150 mL/plant) reduced the CF application by 50% and this is an enormous environmental and economic gain to improve soil health and potato production.