Influence of biological means of plant protection on the microbiocenosis of agricultural soils in arid climate conditions

Abstract

Aim . To study the effects of a biological plant protection agent on the state of the microbiocenosis of agricultural soils in the arid climate of the Astrakhan region. Material and Methods . The objects of study were agricultural soils located in the Kamyzyaksky district of the Astrakhan region. During the experiment the soils were treated with Bacillus atrophaeus ACIM B ‐ 11474. Studies were carried out in accordance with generally accepted microbiological and agronomic techniques. Field experiments were undertaken according to the generally accepted methodology of field and vegetation experimentation in the fields of strategic partner LLC Nadezhda ‐ 2 when growing potatoes. Results . Agricultural soils were investigated for agrochemical, agrophysical and microbiological indicators. Microorganisms involved in the mineralization of organic matter occurring in soil and the mobilization of nutrients were identified. The effect of the agent on the intensity the mobilization processes in the soil and on the activation of decomposition and mineralization of organic substances has been established. The use of the agent helped reduce the number of micromycetes in the soil and on cultivated crops studied. Plant protection has an impact on reducing their incidence, increases potato yields, increases the mass of tubers and reduces the number of diseased tubers. Conclusion . The use biological plant protection agent has a positive effect on the formation of the microbiocenosis and on the phytosanitary condition of the agricultural soils studied, as well as improving the characteristics of agricultural products cultivated on them.