Life Science Research Reveals Impact of Microbial Inoculants on Plant Growth in Nickel-Polluted Soil

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the University of the Philippines Los Baños conducted experiments to determine the effectiveness of new isolates of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and nitrogen-fixing bacteria in promoting the growth and development of bagalunga (Melia dubia) seedlings in nickel-polluted soil. The study found that inoculation with these microorganisms, particularly with MYKOCAP and MYKORICH, led to significant improvements in plant growth, soil microbial community, soil nutrient, and heavy metal uptake. The research was supported by the Department of Science and Technology-National Research Council of the Philippines and demonstrated the potential of microbial inoculants as a bioremediation approach in nickel-mined areas.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study involved two experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of new isolates of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and nitrogen-fixing bacteria in promoting plant growth in nickel-polluted soil.
  • The treatments included control, MYKORICH, MYKOCAP, NewMYC (NMYC), and NewNFB (NNFB) with nickel (Ni) levels of 0, 6, and 12mg kg-1 soil.
  • Results showed that inoculation with MYKORICH and MYKOCAP led to significant improvements in plant growth, soil microbial community, soil nutrient, and heavy metal uptake.
  • The heaviest total biomass was obtained in MYKORICH with Ni-6 and Ni-0 in Experiments 1 and 2, respectively.
  • MYKOCAP and MYKORICH exhibited the highest root colonization and mycorrhiza spore counts, while isolates from the Cu mine dumpsite gave the highest NFB count.
  • Inoculation with AMF including the isolates from the Cu mine site presented a positive effect on growth and development of bagalunga seedlings grown in soil with Ni in the first experiment, and in soil without Ni in the second experiment.

Statistics:

  • 50(1) - The volume and issue number of the Philippine Journal of Crop Science where the research was published.
  • 4031 - The postal code of the University of the Philippines Los Baños.
  • 6 months - The duration of the experiments.
  • 0, 6, and 12mg kg-1 soil - The nickel levels applied in the experiments.
  • 0, 3, and 6g kg-1 soil - The nickel levels applied in Experiment 2.
  • 50 - The average stem diameter increment obtained in plants inoculated with MYKORICH and grown in Ni-6.
  • 24.5 - The average height increment obtained in plants inoculated with NMYC in Ni-0.

Sources:

  • Inoculation of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Nitrogen-fixing Bacteria Affects Growth and Development Of Melia Dubia Seedlings Under Different Ni Concentrations. Philippine Journal of Crop Science, 2025;50(1).
  • Department of Science and Technology-National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP)
  • University of the Philippines Los Baños, Natl Inst Mol Biol & Biotechnol, Coll Los Baños, Laguna 4031, Philippines.