Three-year field evaluation of a rhizobacterial consortium improving maize growth and yield under reduced N-fertilization and modulating soil respiration.

A microbial consortium enables 50% reduction in nitrogen fertilizer for maize without yield loss over three years.

• Why it matters: Reducing nitrogen inputs is crucial to prevent soil salinization and groundwater contamination, but maintaining crop yields under such reductions remains a challenge.
• What they did: The study involved a three-year field trial testing Priestia megaterium and Enterobacter cloacae on maize hybrids under half the regional recommended nitrogen rate, measuring plant growth, physiological traits, and soil respiration.
• The result: Inoculated maize maintained high photosynthesis, chlorophyll, and yield levels comparable to higher nitrogen treatments, demonstrating microbial management's potential to sustain productivity with less fertilizer.