Effect Of Phosphorus Application Research Articles

Effect of Phosphorus Application on Subcellular Distribution and Chemical Morphology of Cadmium in Eggplant Seedlings under Cadmium Stress

Soil cadmium (Cd) contamination poses a serious threat to ecosystems, and the application of phosphorus fertilizers can reduce Cd toxicity. However, the specific effects of different phosphorus fertilizers on the subcellular distribution and chemical morphology of Cd in eggplant grown in calcareous Cd-contaminated soil remain unclear. This study examined the impact of various types and levels of phosphate fertilizers on the subcellular distribution and chemical morphology of cadmium in eggplant seedlings using a two-factor analysis. The investigation was conducted via a pot experiment utilizing a two-factor analysis. The application of 0.35 g kg−1 dicalcium phosphate significantly decreased the Cd content in the subcellular distribution and induced notable alterations in the chemical morphology of Cd in eggplant roots. Specifically, the ethanol-extracted Cd state decreased by 65.45%, and the sodium chloride-extracted Cd state decreased by 64.65%. Conversely, Cd extracted by deionized water, acetic acid, hydrochloric acid, and the residue state increased by 6.20%, 4.01%, 20.87%, and 17.85%, respectively. The application of 0.35 g kg−1 dicalcium phosphate resulted in the most significant reduction in Cd content in eggplant and modification of subcellular Cd distribution and chemical morphology in roots.

Effect of Phosphorus Application on Eggplant Cadmium Accumulation and Soil Cadmium Morphology

Effect of Phosphorus Application on Eggplant Cadmium Accumulation and Soil Cadmium Morphology

Effects of phosphorus application on soil phosphorus forms and phoD-harboring microbial communities in an alpine grassland on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

Phosphorus (P) application to terrestrial ecosystems affects not only aboveground plants but also soil P forms and phosphatase-associated microbes. The phoD gene is widespread in soil and plays an important role in P transformation. However, it is still unclear how phoD-harboring microbial communities respond to different P application rates, and the relationships between soil properties and phoD-harboring microbial community need to be better understood. In this study, the impacts of seven P application rates [0 (P0), 10 (P10), 20 (P20), 30 (P30), 40 (P40), 50 (P50), and 60 (P60) g⋅m–2⋅a–1] on the soil physicochemical properties, P forms, and phoD-harboring microbial communities were assessed. As the results, inorganic P (i.e., Resin-Pi, NaHCO3-Pi, NaOH-Pi, and HCl-Pi) and Bio-P increased firstly and then decreased with increasing P application rate, with the highest values in the P30 treatment. Soil phoD-harboring microbial community structures in low-P (P0∼P30) treatments were significantly different from that in high-P (P40∼P60) treatments. Soil phoD-harboring microbial Shannon and Simpson diversity increased firstly and then decreased with increasing P application rate, and there was a tipping point at the P application rate of 30 g⋅m–2⋅a–1. The Mantel test and structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed that Bio-P, TC (total carbon), Fe, NaOH-organic P (NaOH-Po), and soil pH were strongly related to the soil phoD-harboring microbial community structure. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that P application affected soil P forms and phoD-harboring microbes in an alpine grassland on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, and there was a P application threshold for optimistic growth of phoD-harboring microbes in an alpine grassland on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.

Effects of phosphorus application on yield, quality and phosphorus use efficiency of edible sweetpotato: A case study of Xushu 32.

To explore the appropriate amount of phosphorus (P) fertilizer and improve economic yield and P use efficiency of edible sweetpotato, we took Xushu 32 as an example and compared the effects of different P application rates on yield, quality, P accumulation and P use efficiency of edible sweetpotato based on a two-year field experiment (soil available P content was 31.70 mg·kg-1) from 2018 to 2019. There were five P application levels (P2O5), including 0 (P0), 25 (P25), 50 (P50), 75 (P75) and 100 kg·hm-2(P100). The results showed that, 1) compared with P0, P application significantly increased the yield of fresh sweetpotao and commodity potato, with the effects being the stongest under P75 treatment, followed by P50 treatment. However, there was no significant difference between the two treatments. 2) P application significantly increased the contents of starch and reducing sugar in storage root. The contents of soluble sugar and protein increased significantly under P50 treatment. 3) Du-ring the growth period of 90 to 120 d, P fertilizer supply significantly increased P accumulation and dry matter accumulation of sweetpotato. 4) The apparent P use efficiency (APUE) decreased with increasing P application rates, while P agronomic efficiency (PAE) increased first and then decreased with the increases of P application rates, which was significantly higher under P50 than other treatments. Taking into account the yield, quality, economic yield and P utilization rate of edible sweetpotato, the optimal dosage of P2O5 is 50 kg·hm-2 under the experimental conditions.

Effects of phosphorus application on carbohydrate metabolism in cottonseed kernel during the key development period provided a new insight for phosphorus management in cotton production

Cottonseed provides abundant and high-quality raw materials for biodiesel, fine chemical, and other industries due to its rich oil, but phosphorus-deficient farmland and finite phosphate resource hinder its production. Cottonseed development is based on its carbohydrate, and exploring the response of cottonseed carbohydrate metabolism to phosphorus could contribute to optimizing phosphorus management in cotton production and continuously obtaining high-quality cottonseed. Here, the experiment on phosphorus rates [0 (phosphorus deficient), 100 (phosphorus critical), and 200 (phosphorus excess) kg P2O5 ha−1] was conducted using Lu 54 (low-phosphorus sensitive) and Yuzaomian 9110 (low-phosphorus tolerant) in a field containing 16.9 mg kg−1 available phosphorus to assess the effects of phosphorus on cottonseed yield, cottonseed total phosphorus, ash, and oil contents, carbohydrate metabolism related carbohydrate contents, and enzymes activities. The results showed that phosphorus application increased cottonseed yield and oil content by 32.4%−54.2% and 14.8%−20.1% on average, respectively, which could be attributed to the improvements in sucrose transport and hydrolysis in cottonseed kernel during 18–26 days post anthesis induced by higher total phosphorus content (17.1%−26.7%). During the key development period of cottonseed kernel, phosphorus application increased sucrose content (13.0%−19.4%) by increasing the expression of sucrose transporter genes, and promoted sucrose hydrolysis by elevating enzymes activities, especially sucrose synthase (11.2%−19.1%) in cottonseed kernel. Consequently, phosphorus application increased hexose levels in cottonseed kernel and thus provided more substrates for its development, which promoted the formation of cottonseed kernel biomass (6.2%−10.6%), cottonseed and oil yields. Additionally, carbohydrate metabolism in Lu 54 was more sensitive to phosphorus than Yuzaomian 9110 during the key development period, resulting in greater increases in cottonseed kernel biomass, cottonseed yield, and oil content for Lu 54. Notably, the increments generated by unit phosphate fertilizer on the above indicators attenuated markedly with phosphorus application. Based on sucrose content, the key substance, the critical phosphorus concentration in the subtending leaf to cotton boll (LPC) needed by the efficient operation of the key carbohydrate metabolic pathway was 0.38% for Lu 54 versus 0.34% for Yuzaomian 9110. This report first unveiled the key carbohydrate metabolic pathway regulated by phosphorus for cottonseed and oil yield formation and its demand for LPC during the key development period, providing a new insight for diagnosing and regulating phosphorus in cotton production.

Effect of phosphorus application on economic yield, quality and phosphorus utilisation efficiency of purple-fleshed sweetpotato

This study aims to explore the effect of phosphorus (P) application on the economic yield, quality, P accumulation, and P utilisation efficiency of purple-fleshed sweetpotato and to provide a basis for the P efficient utilisation and high crop yield. Field experiments were conducted in 2018–2019, and five P application rates (0, 10.9, 21.8, 32.7, and 43.6 kg P/ha, expressed as P0, P1, P2, P3, and P4, respectively) were set. The results showed that P application significantly increased the yield and commodity potato yield of purple-fleshed sweetpotato, and that of P3 treatment was the highest, followed by P2 treatment. P application also increased the starch content in the storage root and increased the reducing sugar and soluble sugar (except for P2 treatment). P fertiliser supply significantly increased P accumulation and dry matter production of purple-fleshed sweetpotato during the growth period of 90 to 120 days. When the P application rate was over 21.8 kg/ha, the fertiliser investment rate, apparent P utilisation efficiency and P agronomic efficiency decreased with the increase of the application rate. Considering all the indexes, the supply of 21.8 kg/ha P fertiliser can meet the demand for high economic yield and P efficient utilisation in purple-fleshed type sweetpotato under the condition of this experiment.

Effects of phosphorus application on bunch and spreading genotypes of groundnut

Farm of Afghanistan National Agricultural Sciences and Technology University (ANASTU), Kandahar, Afghanistan to find out most suitable groundnut variety and their phosphorus levels in the study region. The treatments combination was of two groundnut varieties (Kormaki and Paparri) and four levels of phosphorus as P2O5 (P0= 0 kg P2O5 ha-1, P1=40 kg P2O5 ha-1, P2= 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 and P3= 80 kg P2O5 ha-1), were tested in a split plot design. Result revealed that Paparri variety produced significantly higher growth attributes (plant height, dry matter accumulation and number of main branches plant-1) and yield attributes (number of pods plant-1, pods dry weight plant-1, 100 kernel weight and shelling percentage) over Kormaki variety. Likwise, paparri variety produced significantly higher pods yield, kernel yield, haulm yield and biological yield over kormaki variety. In the like manner, significantly higher gross return, net return and benefit cost ratio was recorded from Paparri variety, whereas residual nitrogen was found significantly higher in kormaki variety. Among phosphorus levels, 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 recorded higher values for growth parameters, yield attributes viz. number of pods plant-1, pods weight plant-1, 100 kernel weight and shelling percentage, and yields (including pods yield, kernel yield, haulm yield and biological yield).

Effect of Phosphorus Application on Yield of Sweet Potatoes in Embu West Sub-County, Kenya

Sweet potato is a crop that plays a great role in food security in Kenya since it is a drought resistant crop, takes a short time to mature and is highly flexible. The main economic activity in Embu West Sub County is agriculture, which is the economic pillar of Embu County with most farmers there being small scale farmers and depending on this sector for their livelihood. Phosphorus as a plant nutrient is a key component of several chemical compounds necessary for metabolic activities, flowering, and root development; hence, it is essential for proper plants growth including sweet potatoes. This study purposed to evaluate how P application affects yield of three sweet potato varieties in Embu West Sub County. The sweet potato varieties used were SPK004 (V1), Kenspot 3 (V2) and Kenspot 4 (V3). The P fertilizer levels used were 0 kg/ha (P1), 25 kg/ha (P2), 50 kg/ha (P3), and 75 kg/ha (P4). Data on two specific yield parameters was collected at harvest; the collected data was summarized using excel. Analysis of variance of the data was done using SPSS version 23, at α=0.05. For treatment means that were significantly different, LSD as Post hoc test was used to separate them. The study showed significant yield potential difference in the yield parameters among the three sweet potato varieties with Kenspot 4 being the highest producer of both total and marketable tubers yield. The study showed that the amount of P applied significantly affected yield of sweet potatoes with a P level of 50 kg/ha producing significantly higher yields.

Effect of phosphorus application on the performance of some cowpea lines

AbstractField experiments were conducted for 2 yr (2014 and 2015) in Fashola, southwestern Nigeria, a low‐phosphorus (P) environment (approx. 1 mg kg−1), to determine the effect of P application on nutrient uptake, growth parameters, and yield in four cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] genotypes (two low‐P tolerant and two low‐P sensitive). Applications were 0 and 30 kg P ha−1 using single super phosphate broadcast on the soil surface just before planting. Phosphorus is very important for leaf and stem development in cowpea at the vegetative stage (i.e., 5 or 6 wk after seeding). This effect appeared more strongly on the genotype with a high amount of biomass (‘Iron bean’) than on genotypes with low biomass (‘IT97K‐499‐38’, ‘Sanzi’, and ‘TVu 7778’). However, in all tested genotypes, P application resulted in taller plants, more leaf area, and heavier shoot dry weight. Uptake of P was increased at flowering stage and at the beginning of pod formation, suggesting that P is necessary for pod formation. As proof, the seed weight per pod in both years (with the exception of ‘Iron bean’ in 2015) was significantly higher under P application. An adequate amount of P uptake can lead to high‐quality seeds.

Effects of phosphorus application in different soil layers on soil phosphorus fractions and the root of Platycodon grandiflorum

The enhancement of phosphorus (P) acquisition through deep P application has been documented in crops with fibrous root systems, but little is known about this effect on the morphology of a taproot system. A four-year field experiment with P application was conducted using Platycodon grandiflorum with a taproot system as the experimental material at two P rates of 40 and 60 kg ha−1 with middle and deep P application patterns. The biomass and P accumulation of P. grandiflorum were greater with deep P application than with middle P application at the same P rate. Regardless of whether the root diameter being greater or less than 2 mm, the root length, volume and surface area of P. grandiflorum increased due to P application, and they were greater with deep P application than with middle P application at the same P rate. Four-year consecutive P application increased the concentrations of soil NaHCO3-P, HCI-P, NaOH-P and residual-P, resulting in soil P accumulation, especially HCI-P. This is the first report that deep P application was more favorable to the growth of P. grandiflorum with a taproot system than middle P application. And this research provided evidence that deep phosphorus application is also suitable to crops with a taproot system.

Effect of Phosphorus Application on Arsenic Species Accumulation and Co-Deposition of Polyphenols in Rice Grain: Phyto and Food Safety Evaluation.

The present study was aimed at exploring the effect of soil application of different concentrations of orthophosphate (P) (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 mg kg−1) on rice agronomic and yield parameters, arsenic (As) species accumulation, and polyphenol levels in the grain of rice grown under As spiked soil (10 mg kg−1). The contents of As species (As(V), As (III), MMA and DMA) and polyphenols in rice grain samples were estimated using LC-ICP-MS and LC-MS/MS, respectively. P treatments significantly reduced the toxic effects of As on agronomic parameters such as root weight and length, shoot and spike length, straw, and grain yield. Among the treatments studied, only the treatment of 30 mg kg−1 P helps to decrease the elevated levels of As (V), As (III), and DMA in rice grains due to As application. The study revealed that 30 mg kg−1 was the optimal P application amount to minimize AS accumulation in rice grains and As-linked toxicity on agronomic parameters and chlorophyll biosynthesis. Furthermore, the levels of trans-ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and apigenin-7-glucoside increased in response to accumulation of As in the rice grain. In conclusion, the precise use of phosphorus may help to mitigate arsenic linked phytotoxicity and enhance the food safety aspect of rice grain.

Effects of phosphorus application on phosphorus uptake and utilization of sweet corn

<p indent=0mm>Understanding the phosphorus (P) absorption mechanism is the premise for high P utilization and high crop yield. In this study, the effects of different P rates (0, 37.5, 75, 150, and <sc>300 kg</sc> hm^–2, expressed as P0, P1, P2, P3, and P4, respectively) on sweet corn yield, biomass and P accumulation and tissue distribution, P transportation and P utilization were studied using a two-year P gradient positioning field experiment. Our results showed that P application significantly increased the fresh ear yield of sweet corn, but the yield difference among different P application rates (P1–P4) was not significant from 2018 to 2019 compared with P0 treatment. P application significantly increased the biomass and P accumulation of sweet corn plants at jointing, silking and fresh eating stages, respectively. In addition, P accumulation in grain was not significant different, which accounting for 42% of plant P accumulation. With P application, the contribution rate of P assimilation to the ear P accumulation was 57.3%–93.0% after anthesis, while the fresh ear yield per P accumulation, P physiological efficiency, agronomic efficiency, recovery efficiency and partial productivity decreased with P rates. Considering the yield and utilization efficiency of phosphate fertilizer, the supply of <sc>37.5 kg</sc> hm⁻² of phosphate fertilizer can meet the needs of high yield and efficient utilization of phosphate fertilizer in sweet corn in this experiment.

Phosphorus application effects on seeding chia

Chia (Salvia Hispanica L.) is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the family Lamiaceae, with large proportions of omega-3, omega-6, antioxidants, fibers and proteins in its composition. Information and recommendations on its cultivation are still limited, as interest in the plant is recent. Thus, the objective of this work is to verify the effects of the application of phosphorus doses in the sowing of chia. The experiment was conducted under field conditions, at Fazenda da Universidade Estadual de Maringá, at the Umuarama Regional Campus. The soil of the place where the typical Dystrophic Red Latosol, with sandy texture experiment was implanted. The experimental design was a randomized block with five treatments and five replicates. The treatments were composed of five doses of phosphorus at sowing (0, 30, 60, 90, 120 kg ha-1). The dry mass of the aerial part, final population of plants, mass of 1,000 grains, productivity and oil content were evaluated. Phosphorus rates application at sowing provided positive increases in the vegetative and reproductive chia development.

Effects of Different Sowing Times and Phosphorus Application on Yield and Quality of Camelina (Camelina sativa L. Crantz)

This study was carried out for determination effects of sowing time and phosphorus applications on several yield and quality components of Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz during 2014-2015 years in Van/Turkey ecological conditions. The factorial experiment was designed based on split plot with two factors including (A) sowing times (7-10 April, 22-25 April and 7-10 May) and (B) phosphorus fertilization (0, 40 and 80 kg ha-1 P2O5) in three replicates. Several yield and quality parameters such as plant height, first capsule height, number of branches, number of capsules, number of seeds in each capsule, thousand seed weight, seed yield, oil content as well as yield were measured. Results showed that sowing times had significant effects on all parameters except for seed numbers per capsule and oil contents (P&amp;lt;0.05). The most values for first capsule height (28.86 cm) and thousand seeds weight (0.94 gr) observed at 7-10 April sowing time, while the highest amounts of number of branches (12.48 branch plant-1), number of capsule (130.33 capsule plant-1), seed yield (1128.6 kg ha-1) and oil yield (328.0 kg ha-1) were obtained at 22-25 April and 7-10 May. On the other hand, the effects of phosphorus application was statistically significant (P&amp;lt;0.05) on first capsule height, number of branches, number of capsules and thousand seeds weight. The most value for first capsule height (28.56 cm) was determined using 40 kg ha-1 P2O5 application, while the highest number of branches (12.41 branch plant-1), number of capsules (142.85 capsule plant-1) andthousand seeds weight (0.95 gr) were observed by using 80 kg ha-1 P2O5.

Effect of phosphorus application on substrate and use of saline water in sugar-apple seedlings

ABSTRACT The irrigation with saline water affects the growth of sugar-apple plants. Some reports indicate that phosphorus affects the plants growth, with positive effects on the salts attenuation. This study aimed to assess the effects of the irrigation water electrical conductivity (iwEC) levels and triple superphosphate (TSP) doses in the growth and leaf levels of sugar-apple seedlings (Annona squamosa L.). The experiment was conducted in a protected environment, in an experimental design of randomized block, with nine treatments that combined phosphorus doses (0.00 g dm-1, 1.10 g dm-1, 3.00 g dm-1, 5.13 g dm-1 and 6.00 g dm-1 of TSP) with irrigation water electrical conductivity (0.50 dS m-1, 1.10 dS m-1, 2.50 dS m-1, 3.91 dS m-1 and 4.50 dS m-1), to evaluate the growth and leaf levels of Na+, K+, Ca+2 and P of sugar-apple seedlings. The increased curve for stem diameter presented by plants was proportional to the amount of TSP. Nevertheless, the iwEC levels were inversely proportional to this variable. The use of TSP directly affected the plant height (2.02 g dm-2/14.50 cm), dry mass (1.25 g dm-2/0.90 g) and total dry mass (2.32 g dm-2/2.00 g). The increase in the iwEC levels was directly proportional to the Na+ values (16.20 mg g-1), as well as to the Na+/K+ ratio (1.48 mg g-1), which cause metabolic disorders in the cellular environment. The TSP doses improve the seedlings growth, proving to be not phytotoxic; however, in combination with the iwEC, they reduce the amount of K+ in sugar-apple seedlings.

Phosphorus application effects and input threshold of Chinese cabbage in the oasis irrigation region.

To resolve the problem of higher application and lower use efficiency of phosphorus fertilizer of Chinese cabbage (Brassica pekinensis), the yield, use efficiency of phosphate fertilizer and soil phosphate balance were examined by a located field trial in Zhangye Observation and Experiment Station of the Agro-ecological Environment in oasis irrigation region from 2011 to 2013. The results showed that the yield increased with the increase of phosphorus fertilization rate from 0 to 112.52 kg P·hm-2, beyond which there would be no further enhancement. The yield was 5489.1 kg·hm-2 at 112.52 kg P·hm-2 treatment. This treatment increased the yield by 13.3%-23.8%, under which the phosphorus use efficiency was 14.2%. Soil Olsen-P and CaCl2-P were positively correlated. For 111.1 kg P·hm-2 treatment, the content of soil Olsen-P was 24.22 mg·kg-1, with no phosphorus leaching and no pollution. At the rate of 60.17 kg P·hm-2, there was a balance between phosphorus input and output and the phosphate demand of Chinese cabbage being met. In conclusion, the optimal phosphorus threshold was 60.17-112.52 kg·hm-2 for Chinese cabbage, the amount at which could reduce the risk of phosphorus pollution.

Nitrogen and Phosphorus Application Effects on Pearl Millet Forage Yield and Nutritive Value

Nitrogen and Phosphorus Application Effects on Pearl Millet Forage Yield and Nutritive Value

Effect of Phosphorus Application and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Inoculation on the Growth of American Jointvetch and Greenleaf Desmodium

This study examined the growth and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) colonization of two tropical forage legumes, namely, American jointvetch (Aj) and Greenleaf desmodium (Gd), at two phosphate application rates (0 or 10 g P m-2 yr-1; -P or +P), with or without AM (+AM or -AM) in a pot experiment. AM inoculation and P application promoted the growth of both species. AM inoculation in the early growth stages promoted colonization in both species, but P application did not. Nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations were affected by neither AM inoculation nor P application. Nitrogen uptake in both Aj and Gd, however, was affected by both AM inoculation and P application. Phosphorus uptake was affected by AM inoculation in Aj and by P application in Gd. The results suggest that both P application and AM promoted legume growth and AM colonization was not suppressed by P application. Nevertheless, plant responses to the treatments varied with species and growth stage.

Assessing soil nitrous oxide emission as affected by phosphorus and nitrogen addition under two moisture levels

Agricultural soils are deficient of phosphorus (P) worldwide. Phosphatic fertilizers are therefore applied to agricultural soils to improve the fertility and to increase the crop yield. However, the effect of phosphorus application on soil N2O emissions has rarely been studied. Therefore, we conducted a laboratory study to investigate the effects P addition on soil N2O emissions from P deficient alluvial soil under two levels of nitrogen (N) fertilizer and soil moisture. Treatments were arranged as follows: P (0 and 20 mg P kg−1) was applied to soil under two moisture levels of 60 and 90% water filled pore space (WFPS). Each P and moisture treatment was further treated with two levels of N fertilizer (0 and 200 mg N kg−1 as urea). Soil variables including mineral nitrogen (NH4+-N and NO3−-N), available P, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and soil N2O emissions were measured throughout the study period of 50 days. Results showed that addition of P increased N2O emissions either under 60% WFPS or 90% WFPS conditions. Higher N2O emissions were observed under 90% WFPS when compared to 60% WFPS. Application of N fertilizer also enhanced N2O emissions and the highest emissions were 141 μg N2O kg−1 h−1 in P+N treatment under 90% WFPS. The results of the present study suggest that P application markedly increases soil N2O emissions under both low and high soil moisture levels, and either with or without N fertilizer application.

Development and production response of edible and forage varieties of pea (Pisum sativum L.) to temporary soil drought under different levels of phosphorus application

The change in weather conditions in Central Europe has led to the need to review current standards for fertilization of pulse crops. Physiologists claim that phosphorus may play a significant role in raising tolerance to a temporary lack of water in the soil. The objective of the 2-year field study (2011–2012) was to assess the effect of phosphorus application on characteristics of the aerial and underground plant parts of different varieties of pea and elements of their yield structure. The study showed that a higher phosphorus application rate led to significant intensification of photosynthesis and thus to more rapid vegetative development in the plants, manifested as a greater number of leaves and greater leaf area. The higher rate of phosphorus application significantly influenced the flowering process of pea during soil drought. The number of flowering nodes increased significantly as phosphorus application increased. The plants fertilized with the higher level of phosphorus produced a greater weight of root nodules with more &lt;em&gt;Rhizobium&lt;/em&gt; bacterial colonies. Increased phosphorus fertilization had a significant role during the year of permanent semi-drought, 2012, resulting in a significantly greater number and weight of pods as well as a greater number and weight of seeds per plant, and thus a larger final yield.