Effect of NPK Fertilizers and Co-inoculation with Phosphate-Solubilizing Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus and Potassium-Mobilizing Bacteria on Growth, Yield, Nutrient Acquisition, and Quality of Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn the present study, the effects of inoculation of biofertilizers (phosphorus-solubilizing arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi (AMF), Glomus intraradices, and potassium-mobilizing bacterium (KMB), Frateuria aurantia) in combination with chemical fertilizers nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) on growth, yield, nutrient acquisition, and quality of tobacco were observed in pot culture. Factorial combinations of biofertilizers (AMF and KMB) and chemical fertilizer (NPK) alone and in combination were applied to see the effects on growth, biomass, nutrient acquisition, and leaf quality in tobacco. Results showed that bioinocula applied either singly or in combination did not significantly enhance soil availability of P and K, indicating their unsuitability for direct application. Application of chemical fertilizer in combination with both AMF and KMB strains consistently increased availability of P and K in the soil, improved leaf quality parameters, and enhanced plant growth and vigor, suggesting the potential use of AMF and KMB as biofertilizers in sustainable tobacco crop production.