In the vast expanse of global agriculture, Brazil has established itself as the foremost producer of soybeans, a critical crop with immense economic and nutritional value. One of the pivotal factors enabling this monumental production is the innovative use of bio-inputs—microorganisms specifically employed to enhance biological nitrogen fixation in the soil. These microorganisms, particularly bacteria from the genus Bradyrhizobium, form symbiotic relationships with soybean roots, converting inert atmospheric nitrogen into forms readily assimilable by plants. This biological process helps supplant the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, reducing production costs and environmental impacts. Estimates suggest that Brazilian soybean farmers save approximately USD 15 billion annually through such sustainable practices.
Expanding on this biological foundation, recent scientific advancements focus on the co-inoculation strategy, wherein Bradyrhizobium spp. are combined with other beneficial microbes to enhance plant growth and soil nutrient dynamics further. Among these, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have emerged as remarkable allies in agriculture. PGPR can stimulate growth by various mechanisms, including phytohormone production, phosphate solubilization, and siderophore secretion, which collectively enhance nutrient availability and uptake. A notable study conducted under the sponsorship of the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) and published in FEMS Microbiology Ecology meticulously evaluated the effects of co-inoculating soybeans with Bradyrhizobium spp. and a newly isolated strain of Bacillus thuringiensis (RZ2MS9).
This Bacillus thuringiensis strain was initially isolated from the rhizosphere of Amazonian guarana plants (Paullinia cupanea, variety sorbilis), a region known for its intricate plant-microbe interactions due to its biodiversity. The researchers observed that the strain could significantly amplify soybean development and pod production under both controlled greenhouse environments and open-field trials. Intriguingly, the application of this strain did not disrupt the native soil microbial community’s structure, suggesting a harmonious integration with the soil ecosystem. Additionally, its ability to facilitate phosphorus assimilation—an essential macronutrient often applied through fertilizers—could markedly reduce the dependency on external phosphorus inputs, offering a dual nutrient acquisition strategy.
Bacillus thuringiensis RZ2MS9 exhibits an array of functional traits instrumental for enhancing plant growth. It produces siderophores that sequester iron and other micronutrients from the soil, making them more bioavailable to plants. Moreover, it synthesizes phytohormones such as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), which directly promote root elongation and branching, thereby expanding the root surface area available for nutrient and water uptake. Notably, the strain also demonstrates phosphate solubilization capabilities and biological nitrogen fixation potential in vitro, underscoring its multifaceted role within the rhizosphere.
This research breaks new ground in validating the environmentally safe application of microbial consortia that do not adversely affect the soil’s natural functional diversity. While earlier concerns posited that introducing exogenous microorganisms might destabilize soil microbial communities, the transient nature of the functional shifts observed in this study offers reassurance. By the end of a soybean production cycle, any perturbations to microbial diversity dissipate, reaffirming the compatibility of these co-inoculated bio-inputs with sustainable agriculture practices.
The Laboratory of Microorganism Genetics at the Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ-USP) in São Paulo, Brazil, serves as the hub for this cutting-edge research. Under the leadership and scientific insight of biologist Leandro Fonseca de Souza, the team delved deep into microbial genetics to unravel the complexities of microbe-plant interactions. Souza emphasizes that beyond nitrogen fixation, augmenting phosphorus uptake through microbial intervention is a promising avenue for decreasing chemical fertilizer dependence, mitigating environmental pollution, and lowering production costs.
Parallel to this innovation, the research highlights the commercial potential of other isolates, such as Pantoea agglomerans strain ESALQ 33.1. This particular strain has recently attracted attention as a commercial bio-input, developed in collaboration with Bionat Soluções Biológicas and ESALQ-USP. This alliance exemplifies the successful translation of academic research into biotechnological solutions that foster sustainable agriculture.
Critical to these findings is the extensive in-field testing, which bridges laboratory results with real-world agricultural conditions. Field applications underscore the practical efficacy of these bio-inputs in boosting crop yields without compromising soil health or native microbial proficiency. The transient alteration in microbial functional diversity observed post-inoculation suggests that these interventions are not only effective but ecologically considerate.
In the broader context, these scientific advancements resonate with global efforts to reduce chemical fertilizer usage, combat soil degradation, and promote regenerative farming practices. The co-inoculation strategy combining Bradyrhizobium spp. with Bacillus thuringiensis RZ2MS9 offers a viable blueprint for other countries and crops, reinforcing the significance of harnessing indigenous microorganisms for agricultural sustainability.
FAPESP’s role as a funding body underscores the importance of supporting interdisciplinary and collaborative research that spans microbiology, agronomy, and environmental science. Their commitment to fostering international partnerships ensures these scientific breakthroughs receive the nurturing environment needed to flourish, ultimately contributing to global food security.
Looking forward, continued research may explore optimizing microbial consortia tailored to specific crop varieties and environmental conditions, enhancing bio-input efficiency. Furthermore, understanding the mechanistic pathways through which these microorganisms modulate plant nutrient assimilation will deepen our capacity to innovate in sustainable agronomy.
This body of work not only propels Brazilian agriculture into new frontiers of productivity and sustainability but also establishes a framework for eco-friendly crop management worldwide, illustrating the profound potential locked within microscopic allies beneath our feet.
Subject of Research: Microbial co-inoculation effects on soybean growth and soil microbial functional diversity
Article Title: Co-inoculation with Bacillus thuringiensis RZ2MS9 and rhizobia improves the soybean development and modulates soil functional diversity
News Publication Date: 22-Jan-2025
Web References:
FAPESP project details
Article in FEMS Microbiology Ecology
Keywords
Soybeans, Nutrients, Bacterial growth, Crop production, Rhizobium, Nitrogen fixation, Fertilizers, Bacterial genetics
Tags: benefits of co-inoculation in cropsbio-inputs in agricultureBradyrhizobium for nitrogen fixationeconomic advantages of sustainable farmingenhancing nutrient availability in soybeansenvironmental impact of synthetic fertilizersFEMS Microbiology Ecology study on soybeansinnovative agricultural practices in Brazilmicrobial solutions for soil healthplant growth-promoting rhizobacteriareducing production costs in agriculturesustainable soybean production strategies
