Abstract
This study focused on revealing the correlations between rock phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) counts and differing properties of the rhizosphere soil. One hundred and thirty-two samples of rhizosphere soil of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) were collected and analyzed from 14 agricultural areas in Meknes, Morocco. The results revealed that all the samples were inhabited with indigenous PSB ranging from 3.55 to 0.002 (×105 CFU/g soil). The correlations between PSB counts and cation exchange capacity, available phosphorus (P), and pH were insignificant; on the contrary, a highly significant correlation (p ≤ 0.01) was found between the numbers of PSB and total soil bacteria (TB) (r = 0.80), total nitrogen (N) (r = 0.86), and organic matter (r = 0.90). This research enhances our knowledge on PSB population and their interaction with physical, chemical, and biological properties of the rhizosphere soil of faba bean to provide a new index for better use in organic agricultural practices.
Highlights
The solubilization of inorganic phosphate is closely related to soil microorganisms activity [1], such as bacteria [2], fungi [3], and actinomycetes [4]
The aim of the present research is to study the relationship between density of rock phosphate-solubilizing bacteria population with physical, chemical, and biological properties of the rhizosphere soil of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) grown in different regions of Meknes, Morocco
The results of the organic matter content in the studied soils showed that 71.43% of the analyzed soils had a high concentration of organic matter, 7.14% had an average concentration, and 21.43% had a low concentration according to the standards of the LUCAS spatial database [33]
Summary
The solubilization of inorganic phosphate is closely related to soil microorganisms activity [1], such as bacteria [2], fungi [3], and actinomycetes [4]. The rhizosphere of plants is the best ecological niche to isolate plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), such as rock phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB), which have the ability to promote plant growth and increase plant production. Rhizosphere was first defined by Hiltner (1904) [5] as the volume of soil influenced by plant roots and their exudates. It is classically distinguished from bulk soil, which corresponds to the area located outside of the rhizosphere, and is non-adhering to roots and not under its influence. The rhizosphere has appeared as a versatile and dynamic ecological environment of intense plant–microbe interactions
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
