Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), a key legume in Mediterranean low-input systems, often faces productivity challenges due to nutrient limitations, water stress, and poor soil health. The role of soil microorganisms in mitigating these challenges is increasingly recognized. Liquid vermicompost extract (LVE), a biostimulant enriched with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), offers a sustainable approach to enhance microbial functionality and soil fertility. These microorganisms facilitate crucial processes such as nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, and support beneficial interactions with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), contributing to improved plant health and resilience. This study investigated the microbial-driven effects of LVE on nine chickpea cultivars, emphasizing plant growth, soil microbial activity, and nutrient cycling. Conducted at the Centre for Agri-Environmental Research ‘Enrico Avanzi’ in Italy, LVE was applied at critical growth stages from sowing to flowering. Results revealed significant cultivar-specific responses, highlighting the role of microbial interactions. Sultano demonstrated a 26% increase in biomass, while Pascia and Ares showed grain yield increases of 40% and 32%, respectively. Conversely, Vittoria and Reale experienced yield reductions (23% and 20%). LVE enhanced AMF colonization rates and microbial inoculation potential, showcasing its capacity to boost microbial diversity and soil functionality. These findings underline the importance of utilizing microbial resources through biostimulants like LVE to optimize chickpea productivity and soil health. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms driving these microbial interactions and to develop strategies for sustainable crop production.
Microbial Functionality and Cultivar-Dependent Effects of Liquid Vermicompost Extract in Chickpea
Alessandra Turrini
2025-01-01
Abstract
Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), a key legume in Mediterranean low-input systems, often faces productivity challenges due to nutrient limitations, water stress, and poor soil health. The role of soil microorganisms in mitigating these challenges is increasingly recognized. Liquid vermicompost extract (LVE), a biostimulant enriched with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), offers a sustainable approach to enhance microbial functionality and soil fertility. These microorganisms facilitate crucial processes such as nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, and support beneficial interactions with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), contributing to improved plant health and resilience. This study investigated the microbial-driven effects of LVE on nine chickpea cultivars, emphasizing plant growth, soil microbial activity, and nutrient cycling. Conducted at the Centre for Agri-Environmental Research ‘Enrico Avanzi’ in Italy, LVE was applied at critical growth stages from sowing to flowering. Results revealed significant cultivar-specific responses, highlighting the role of microbial interactions. Sultano demonstrated a 26% increase in biomass, while Pascia and Ares showed grain yield increases of 40% and 32%, respectively. Conversely, Vittoria and Reale experienced yield reductions (23% and 20%). LVE enhanced AMF colonization rates and microbial inoculation potential, showcasing its capacity to boost microbial diversity and soil functionality. These findings underline the importance of utilizing microbial resources through biostimulants like LVE to optimize chickpea productivity and soil health. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms driving these microbial interactions and to develop strategies for sustainable crop production.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
