Efficiency of the bacteria Pantoea agglomerans in different soil pH conditions and phosphorus doses in wheat crops

Abstract

The phosphorus (P) is one of the main limiting nutrients for wheat (Triticum aestivum) productivity, especially in acidic soils where its availability is reduced. This study aimed general to evaluate the effect of applying different phosphorus rates, combined with inoculation using the phosphate-solubilizing bacterium Pantoea agglomerans 33.1, under different soil pH conditions wheat yield. The experiment was conducted in Esperança do Sul (RS), Brazil, using a randomized block design with 16 treatments resulting from the combination of two soil pH conditions (corrected pH 6,0 and acidic), four phosphorus doses (0%, 50%, 100%, and 150%), and the presence or absence of the solubilizer, with four replications. Number of spikes per square meter, thousand grain weight and grain yield, were evaluated. Results showed that treatment with acidic soil, 150% phosphorus dose, and solubilizer inoculation achieved the highest productivity of grains, reaching 5103 kg/ha. Soil pH correction significantly increased average productivity of wheat grains compared to uncorrected soil. Inoculation with P. agglomerans was particularly effective under acidic soil conditions, while in corrected soils its efficiency is debatable. Reducing phosphorus fertilization combined with inoculation proved to be a viable strategy for optimizing input use in wheat. Integrated soil management practices, fertilization, and bioinput application are essential to maximize wheat productivity in sustainable systems.