Optimizing nutrient use efficiency, productivity, energetics, and economics of red cabbage following mineral fertilization and biopriming with compatible rhizosphere microbes

Abstract

Conventional agricultural practices and rising energy crisis create a question about the sustainability of the present-day food production system. Nutrient exhaustive crops can have a severe impact on native soil fertility by causing nutrient mining. In this backdrop, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of bio-priming intervention in red cabbage production considering nutrient uptake, the annual change in soil fertility, nutrient use efficiency, energy budgeting, and economic benefits for its sustainable intensification, among resource-poor farmers of Middle Gangetic Plains. The compatible microbial agents used in the study include Trichoderma harzianum, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Bacillus subtilis. Field assays (2016–2017 and 2017–2018) of the present study revealed supplementing 75% of recommended NPK fertilizer with dual inoculation of T. harzianum and P. fluorescens increased macronutrient uptake (N, P, and K), root length, heading percentage, head diameter, head weight, and the total weight of red cabbage along with a positive annual change in soil organic carbon. Maximum positive annual change in available N and available P was recorded under 75% RDF + P. fluorescens + B. subtilis and 75% RDF + T. harzianum + B. subtilis, respectively. Bio-primed plants were also higher in terms of growth and nutrient use efficiency (agronomic efficiency, physiological efficiency, apparent recovery efficiency, partial factor productivity). Energy output (26,370 and 26,630 MJ ha−1), energy balance (13,643 and 13,903 MJ ha−1), maximum gross return (US $ 16,030 and 13,877 ha−1), and net return (US $ 15,966 and 13,813 ha−1) were considerably higher in T. harzianum, and P. fluorescens treated plants. The results suggest the significance of the bio-priming approach under existing integrated nutrient management strategies and the role of dual inoculations in producing synergistic effects on plant growth and maintaining the soil, food, and energy nexus.

Application of Trichoderma viride and Pseudomonas fluorescens to Cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) Improves Both Its Seedling Quality and Field Performance

“…This may improve the seed germination rate, growth, and vigour traits of plants. The result was confirmed with the finding of Sarkar et al [31], where the dual inoculation of T. harzianum and P. fluorescens had a positive impact on root length, as it increased the microbial activity in the soil. PGPRs boost plant growth and increase root biomass or root morphology in general [32].…”

Agronomic Productivity and Organic Fertilizer Rates on Growth and Yield Performance of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) in Northwestern Ethiopia

“…In general, the lowest marketable yield might be recorded from any of the control treatments having no nutrients applied [ 53 ]. Even the minimum yield per hectare could be attained from any of the control treatments in cabbage production [ 54 ].…”

The bacterial world inside the plant

“…To face this challenge, using plant growth-promoting microorganisms is an excellent strategy for reducing the use of agrochemicals and the environmental impact without reducing crop yield. Trichoderma harzianum, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis have been used to increase macronutrient uptake (N, P, and K), root length, heading percentage, head diameter, head weight, and the total weight of red cabbage (Sarkar et al, 2021c). In another study, Trichoderma harzianum, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Bacillus subtilis were applied singly and in combination with 75% of the recommended dose fertilizer (RDF).…”