Cooperation between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and plant growth-promoting bacteria and their effects on plant growth and soil quality

The roles of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in improving nutrition uptake and soil quality have been well documented. However, few studies have explored their effects on root morphology and soil properties. In this study, we inoculated Elymus nutans Griseb with AMF and/or PGPR in order to explore their effects on plant growth, soil physicochemical properties, and soil enzyme activities. The results showed that AMF and/or PGPR inoculation significantly enhanced aboveground and belowground vegetation biomass. Both single and dual inoculations were beneficial for plant root length, surface area, root branches, stem diameter, height, and the ratio of shoot to root, but decreased root volume and root average diameter. Soil total nitrogen, alkaline phosphatase, and urease activities showed significant growth, and soil electrical conductivity and pH significantly declined under the inoculation treatments. Specific root length showed a negative correlation with belowground biomass, but a positive correlation with root length and root branches. These results indicated that AMF and PGPR had synergetic effects on root morphology, soil nutrient availability, and plant growth.

Automated summary

This study investigated the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on plant growth, soil properties, and soil enzyme activities. The results showed that the inoculation of AMF and/or PGPR significantly improved aboveground and belowground vegetation biomass. Both single and dual inoculations had positive effects on root morphology and plant growth, while reducing root volume and average diameter. Soil nutrient availability increased, while soil electrical conductivity and pH decreased under the inoculation treatments.