Researchers Develop Sustainable Strategy for Maize Cultivation in Saline Environments

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the Water and Environment Research Institute (SWERI) have investigated the efficacy of combining compost and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in enhancing maize productivity and soil health under salinity stress. The study, conducted in 2023 and 2024, found that a combined treatment of compost and PGPR significantly increased grain yield by up to 197% and straw yield by nearly 300% in one of the tested maize varieties, Single Cross 178. The research also showed improvements in nitrogen content, proline, peroxidase activity, and chlorophyll content, indicating robust stress tolerance. Soil properties, including pH, electrical conductivity, and exchangeable sodium percentage, were also ameliorated, with bulk density reduced and porosity increased.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that a combined treatment of compost (5 and 10 t/ha) and PGPR (* * Azospirillum brasilense* *) significantly increased grain yield by up to 197% and straw yield by nearly 300% in Single Cross 178 under high salinity.
  • The combined treatment improved nitrogen content in grains and straw by 157%, and also increased peroxide activity and chlorophyll content.
  • Soil properties, including pH, electrical conductivity, and exchangeable sodium percentage, were significantly ameliorated, with bulk density reduced and porosity increased.
  • Single Cross 178 exhibited superior stress tolerance, highlighting varietal differences.
  • The study offers a sustainable strategy for maize cultivation in saline environments, with implications for global food security.
  • The research concluded that the synergistic role of compost and PGPR in improving nutrient uptake, antioxidant defenses, and soil structure is crucial for maize cultivation in saline environments.
  • The study included comparisons with existing literature to support the findings.

Statistics:

  • 197% increased grain yield by combined treatment of compost and PGPR in Single Cross 178 under high salinity.
  • 300% increase in straw yield by combined treatment of compost and PGPR in Single Cross 178 under high salinity.
  • 157% improvement in nitrogen content in grains and straw by combined treatment of compost and PGPR.
  • 3.5 and 6.3 dS/m: Salinity levels tested in the study.
  • 2023-2024: Years in which the field experiments were conducted.
  • 14(10):1539: Issue and page number of the journal article in Plants.

Sources:

  • Physiological and Agronomic Responses of Maize (* * Zea mays* * L.) to Compost and PGPR Under Different Salinity Levels. Plants, 2025,14(10):1539. (Plants - http://www.mdpi.com/journal/plants)
  • Our news editors report that additional information may be obtained by contacting Ibrahim El-Akhdar, Department of Microbiology, Soils, Water and Environment Research Institute (SWERI), Agriculture Research Center (ARC), Giza 12112, Egypt.