Improved nutrient uptake in three crotalaria species inoculated with multifunctional microorganisms

Abstract

Cover crops are essential in recovering soil productivity. Crotalaria is one of the most efficient legume species in terms of biomass production and nitrogen fixation. This study aimed to assess the effect of multifunctional microorganisms on the agronomic performance of Crotalaria juncea, C. spectabilis and C. ochroleuca. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions, in a completely randomized design, with four replicates. Treatments consisted of six rhizobacterial isolates (BRM 32109 and BRM 32110 (Bacillus spp.), BRM 32111 and BRM 32112 (Pseudomonas spp.), BRM 32113 (Burkholderia spp.), BRM 32114 (Serratia spp.)), and one fungal isolate (Trichoderma spp. (T-26)), in addition to a control treatment (no microorganism). The main effect of multifunctional microorganisms on the three Crotalaria species was macro and micronutrient concentration increased. Sulfur and zinc concentrations increased in C. juncea roots, calcium and sulfur in C. spectabilis shoots, and C. ochroleuca exhibited higher concentrations of phosphorus and copper in shoots and zinc and copper in roots. In summary, improved nutritional status in Crotalaria directly affects nutrient availability for the subsequent crop.