Sand Substrate Research Articles

Polyglycerol citrate: A novel coating and inoculation material for soybean seeds

The microbial inoculation of legumes such as soybeans is crucial for thriving plant growth due to symbiotic nitrogen (N) fixation and biological plant N fertilization. Soybean requires microbial pre-inoculation before sowing using the rhizobia strain Bradyrhizobium japonicum. Peat is typical for this purpose, although not sustainable since it is a finite resource. Here, we propose a straight-forwarding route to prepare and apply polyglycerol-citrate polymer (PGC), a biodegradable and fully renewable polymer, as a carrier for Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculants for soybeans. This novel eco-friendly polymer combines the advantages of a polymeric, water-soluble structure based on biopolymers, which can protect the inoculant cells during the seed inoculation process, with protective properties of glycerol for bacterial cells and the contribution of citric acid for metabolic processes. A greenhouse study was conducted using soybean seeds coated with three different proportions of PGC with B. japonicum planted in a sand substrate free of external interference. Comparative results of N content and δ15N signature in soybean plant parts calculated from the natural abundance method associated with viability tests showed equal or superior symbiotic performance and nitrogen fixation rates to peat-based inoculants, considered the gold-standard carrier for inoculants. It ensured the shelf life of the inoculant formulations, offering convenience for farmers and environmental benefits through reduced fertilization.

Variation in Root System Architecture Response to Arsenic during Establishment and Onset of Storage Root Formation in Two Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) Cultivars

The primary objective of this work was to generate species-specific information about root architectural adaptations to simulated natural levels of arsenic (As) during the establishment phase and onset of storage root formation in sweetpotato. Cultivars Bayou Belle and Beauregard were grown on sand substrate and provided with 0.5X Hoagland’s nutrient solution with varying levels of As (0, 5, 10, or 15 mg⋅L−1). During the first experiment, entire root systems were sampled at 5, 10, and 15 days, corresponding to key adventitious root developmental stages. Compared with the untreated controls at 15 days, ‘Bayou Belle’ and ‘Beauregard’ provided with 15 mg⋅L−1 As showed respective increases in the following root architectural attributes: 168% and 130% in main root length; 168% and 98% in lateral root length; and 140% and 50% in lateral root density. A second experiment was performed to produce storage root samples at 50 days. Storage root length, width, and length/width ratio did not vary with As levels. The accumulation of As in storage roots increased with increasing As levels. The results support the hypothesis that natural As levels stimulate adventitious root development in sweetpotato in a cultivar-dependent manner. The observations are consistent with findings of other species that show similar growth stimulation at low As levels. This is the first report of sweetpotato root system architecture responses to experimental levels of As that are known to be present in agricultural soils. Standardization of experimental procedures and understanding of root system adaptations to natural levels of As could lead to a more systematic exploitation of genome-wide techniques and characterization of the molecular basis of reduced As uptake in plants.

Seagrass Biodiversity and its Drivers in the Kepulauan Banyak Marine Nature Park, Indonesia

Seagrasses are important marine plants that provide a variety of ecosystem services, including food and shelter for marine life, and protection from coastal erosion. This study investigated the biodiversity (alpha and beta diversity) of seagrass in the Kepulauan Banyak Marine Nature Park, Indonesia, with a specific focus on eight sites. Alpha diversity was calculated using Shannon's index, Simpson's index, and Pielou evenness. Beta diversity was determined using Bray-Curtis dissimilarity and Jaccard dissimilarity allowing us to examine the variations in species composition among different sites. Principal coordinate analysis and Partial distance-based redundancy analysis was used to visualize and investigate the impact of constraint variables to the structure of the seagrass communities. Alpha diversity varied among the sites, with the highest alpha diversity found at the Orongan and Matahari site and the lowest at the Ujung Lolok and Balai sites. The dominant substrate type (mud or sand) was found to be a significant (P≤ 0.01) determinant of seagrass alpha diversity, with mud substrates supporting higher diversity than sand substrates. The relationship between alpha diversity and constrain variables was only significant with closest distance to forest lost and longitude variables. The analysis found that water pH, closest distance to forest lost, mean distance to tourism spots, and closest distance to settlement collectively explained a significant (P≤ 0.001) portion (88.48%) of the variation in beta diversity of seagrass across the sites. The results of this study can be used to develop management strategies for the conservation of seagrass meadows in the park.

The introduction of influent sulfamethoxazole loads induces changes in the removal pathways of sulfamethoxazole in vertical flow constructed wetlands featuring hematite substrate

High frequent detection of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) in wastewater cannot be effectively removed by constructed wetlands (CWs) with a traditional river sand substrate. The role of emerging substrate of hematite in promoting SMX removal and the effect of influent SMX loads remain unclear. The removal efficiency of SMX in hematite CWs was significantly higher than that in river sand CWs by 12.7–13.8% by improving substrate adsorption capacity, plant uptake and microbial degradation. With increasing influent SMX load, the removal efficiency of SMX in hematite CWs slightly increased, and the removal pathways varied significantly. The contribution of plant uptake was relatively small (< 0.1%) under different influent SMX loads. Substrate adsorption (37.8%) primarily contributed to SMX removal in hematite CWs treated with low-influent SMX. Higher influent SMX loads decreased the contribution of substrate adsorption, and microbial degradation (67.0%) became the main removal pathway. Metagenomic analyses revealed that the rising influent load increased the abundance of SMX-degrading relative bacteria and the activity of key enzymes. Moreover, the abundance of high-risk ARGs and sulfonamide resistance genes in hematite CWs did not increase with the increasing influent load. This study elucidates the potential improvements in CWs with hematite introduction under different influent SMX loads.

Bioaccumulation efficacy and physio-morphological adaptations in response to iron and aluminium contamination of Indian camphorweed (Pluchea indica L.) using different growth substrates.

The aim of this study was to assess the removal capability of Fe/Al contamination of Indian camphorweed (Pluchea indica; hereafter, P. indica) using different growth substrates (100% sand, gardening soil, vermiculite, and zeolite). In addition, the study aimed at observing the physio-morphological adaptation strategies of P. indica under excess Fe/Al levels in a controlled greenhouse environment. After a 4-week treatment, P. indica plants under excess Fe in the 100% sand substrate exhibited signs of decay and eventually death. In contrast, the growth performances of P. indica under gardening soil substrate remained sustained even when exposed to Fe/Al stress. Under zeolite substrate, Fe in the root tissues was 23.1 and 34.7mgg-1 DW after 1 and 4weeks of incubation, respectively. In addition, Al in the root tissues also increased to 1.54mgg-1 DW after 1week and 1.59mgg-1 DW after 4weeks, when subjected to 20mM Al treatment. Zeolite was observed to be a promising substrate to regulate the uptake of Fe (3.31mg plant-1) and Al (0.51mg plant-1) by the root tissues. The restriction of Fe and Al in the root and a low translocation to the leaf organ was indicated by a low translocation factor (< 1.0). High Fe concentrations in the root and leaf tissues negatively affected root elongation, and the net photosynthetic rate decreased by > 40% compared to positive control. Gas exchange parameters and leaf temperature were found the most sensitive to Fe/Al stress. Moreover, the limited transpiration rate under Fe/Al stress caused an increase of the leaf temperature and crop stress index. The findings suggest that P. indica grown using zeolite substrate may serve as a good model system for constructed wetlands, storing excess Al in the root tissues without any significant growth inhibition.

Obtaining Hydrogen by Thermocatalytic Decomposition of Methane Using a Catalyst ‘Nickel on Kieselgur’

The process of hydrogen production through thermocatalytic decomposition of methane using a “nickel on kieselgur” catalyst on a quartz sand substrate with a thickness of 1 cm in the “sand-catalyst-sand” configuration was investigated in this work. The experimental results revealed a dependence of the percentage yield of hydrogen on temperature within the temperature range of 530°C to 770°C. As a result, a hydrogen content of 68% in the gas mixture was achieved at the reactor outlet under the conditions of 770°C temperature and a methane flow rate of 2 l/h.

Biometry and physiological potential of Pterogyne nitens Tull. Seeds as a function of different substrates

The Pterogyne nitens Tul., popularly known as "amendoim-bravo," belongs to the Fabaceae family and can be used in the recovery of degraded areas and in the restoration of riparian forests. The objective of this study was to biometrically characterize the seeds of "amendoim-bravo" and study the influence of substrates on the physiological potential of the seeds. For biometric characterization, eight replicates of 100 seeds were used to determine length and width. In the germination test using a completely randomized experimental design, the seeds were distributed in five different substrates: paper towel in roll form, between blotting paper, on top of blotting paper, between sand, and commercial substrate, at a regulated temperature of 30°C in a Biochemical Oxygen Demand (B.O.D) chamber. The first germination count (PCG), germination speed index (IVG), root length, shoot length of seedlings, dry root mass, and shoot mass of seedlings were analyzed. Evaluating the first germination count and germination index, the paper towel roll substrate showed superiority with 96% and 98%, respectively, statistically differing from the other treatments. The value for germination speed index also highlighted the use of the paper towel roll (6.347). Regarding mean time, mean speed, and synchrony, the best results were also achieved with the paper towel roll substrate. Pterogyne nitens Tul. seeds have an average length of 11.52 mm and a width of 6.35 mm. For evaluating physiological potential, the use of the paper towel roll substrate is recommended.

Description of a rock-dwelling cichlid that re-invaded the sand substrate in Lake Malai, Africa.

Pseudotropheus Regan had been a catch-all genus for many of the rock-dwelling cichlids of Lake Malai, known as mbuna, for over half a century. Although many of the species previously assigned to this genus have since been allocated to other genera there are still about a dozen species in the genus that do not appear to be closely related to its type species, P. williamsi, but for which no better placement could be found. Pseudotropheus livingstonii (Boulenger) is one such species and the new species described herein appears to be closely related and has for that reason been temporarily assigned to Pseudotropheus. Pseudotropheus likomae n. sp. from Likoma Island can be diagnosed from all other Pseudotropheus spp., by having five or fewer distinct vertical bars below the dorsal fin and two horizontal stripes in mature individuals.

Cultivation of Seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii with Various Substrates Different on Laboratory Scale

Kappaphycus alvarezii is an important red algae and can be used as one of the primary raw materials in fisheries. It is widely cultivated because of its relatively cheap production technology, and post-harvest handling is simple and easy. This algae has excellent economic value for carrageenan producers. Carrageenan is used as a food ingredient, cosmetics, and medicine. The success of cultivating K. alvarezii seaweed can be achieved if a suitable environment for its growth supports it. One of the environmental aspects that influence the growth of K. alvarezii seaweed is the bottom substrate of the waters. This research aims to analyze the best substrate for cultivating green K.alvarezii seaweed on a laboratory scale. This research used an experimental method with a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of 4 treatments and three repetitions, resulting in 12 experimental units. The treatments tested were different substrates: a coral substrate, a sand substrate, a volcanic rock substrate, and a coral sand substrate. The results of this study showed that the average survival rate in various substrate treatments ranged from 7.16% to 39%, final weight ranged from 1.43 g to 7.8 g, specific loss rate ranged from -3.157%/day to -5.124%/day, carrageenan yield ranged from 6.8% to 18.4%, and thallus tissue showed that all treatments still showed the presence of cortex and medullary tissue with varying shapes and structures

Variasi Spasial Kepadatan Cacing Kacang di Pantai Toronipa Sulawesi Tenggara

The density of peanut worms is concentrated in the subtidal zone and is closely related to the substrate where they live. This research aims to determine spatial variations in peanut worm density. This research was carried out at Toronipa Beach, Southeast Sulawesi from June 2020 to February 2021. Peanut worms were collected using a hand scoop to a depth of ±10 cm in a 10x10 m2 quadrat transect at each station. Data were analyzed using standard formulas and tested using Mann-Whitney and linear regression. The results showed that the highest density of peanut worms was found at station II with a mean value of 12±104 ind/10m2 which was significantly different from stations I and III with densities of 9±52 ind/10m2 and 7±124 ind/10m2 respectively. Five types of seagrass were identified, namely Cymodocea rotundata, Enhalus acoroides, Halodule uninervis, Halophila minor, and Thalassia hemprichii. The number of seagrass species found at stations I, II, and III were 1, 2, and 5, respectively. Peanut worm density was positively correlated with seagrass density with a coefficient of determination of 86.45%. Water quality tends to be the same at all stations, except that organic matter is higher than at stations I and II. The dominant fine sand fraction was found at stations I and III, while very coarse sand was dominantly found at station II. The density of peanut worms on Toronipa Beach is determined by a combination of seagrass density, high levels of organic matter, and the dominant texture of the coarse sand substrate.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: peanut worm, spatial density, Sulawesi, water quality

Effect of treatment with thiamethoxam and cyantraniliprole on the germination and storage of forest tree seeds

ABSTRACT: Seed predation is a problem that limits the use of direct sowing of tree species, and it is necessary to develop studies involving products used in seed treatment. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of treatment with insecticides on the storage and germination of seeds of six forest species. Seeds were treated with thiamethoxam and cyantraniliprole and germinated on paper and sand substrates at 25 °C under constant light. For storage, the seeds were treated and analyzed at 0, 3 and 6 months. For both tests, the following variables were evaluated: germination, mortality, hard seeds, abnormal seedlings, average length of shoot and primary root, and germination speed index (GSI). For Senna multijuga, treatment with insecticides had no effect. Peltophorum dubium and Enterolobium contortisiliquum showed positive effects of the treatments on seedling vigor and development, while Guazuma ulmifolia displayed a negative effect on primary root length. Bowdichia virgilioides and Hymenaea courbaril seeds were sensitive to the treatments. It is possible to treat and store P. dubium and E. contortisiliquum seeds with thiamethoxam for up to six months.

Physiological potential of soybean seeds subjected to industrial treatment and storage time

The use of treated seeds is a common practice among soybean producers, as it provides protection against pests and diseases existing in the soil, preventing their spread in exempt areas. Therefore, chemical treatment combined with different products becomes essential to guarantee success in the field.The objective of this study was to assess the influence that 7 industrial seed treatments (ISTs) and their respective slurry volumes have on the physiological potential of soybean seeds. The assay was carried out in a completely randomized design with 4 replications, with the treatments being arranged in a 7x6 factorial scheme (industrial treatments x storage periods). The chemical treatments were: control (untreated seeds) (ST1), fungicide + insecticide-1 + drying powder (ST2), fungicide + insecticide-1 + drying powder + micronutrient (ST3), fungicide + insecticide-1 + drying powder + micronutrient + biostimulant (ST4), fungicide + insecticide-1 + polymer + drying powder + insecticide-2 (ST5), fungicide + insecticide-1 + polymer + drying powder + insecticide-2 + micronutrient (ST6), fungicide + insecticide-1 + polymer + drying powder + insecticide-2 + micronutrient + biostimulant (ST7). For each IST, the specific slurry volume was 0, 350, 550, 1050, 500, 700 and 1200 mL 100 kg-1 of seeds, respectively. The seeds were stored for periods of 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 and 90 days and subsequently checked for their physiological potential. In each storage period, the following tests were conducted: germination, first count, accelerated aging, emergence speed index, and final emergence in sand substrate. Among the evaluated treatments, ST4 and ST7 were the most harmful to the physiological quality of the seeds in all storage periods, since they presented the greatest slurry volume. In relation to treatments with less harmful effects on seeds, treatments ST2 and ST3 presented higher averages for most of the variables analyzed

Design and Experiment of Water and Fertilizer Integrated Equipment for Solar Greenhouse Based on Yellow Sand Substrate Model

Design and Experiment of Water and Fertilizer Integrated Equipment for Solar Greenhouse Based on Yellow Sand Substrate Model

Substrate Manipulation in Controlled Rearing To Increase Growth and Survival Rate of Holothuria scabra Jaeger

The cultivation of the sea cucumber Holothuria scabra Jaeger for broodstock and production in captivity at sea with naturally available feed, it was reported that the daily growth rate was slow at 0.14±0.10g day-1 (Jasmadi, 2018). One of the efforts to increase growth is substrate manipulation. Organic material in the form of chicken manure has been applied in this study as a mixed substrate with sand at different percentages. Holothuria scabra This study aims to manipulate Holothuria scabra rearing substrates to increase growth. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) at a 95% confidence level. The research treatments consisted of treatment A (10% organic matter 80% sand), treatment B (20% organic matter 80% sand), treatment C (30% organic matter) 90% sand), D (without organic matter = 100% sand) (100% sand), each treatment was repeated three times. The results showed that the availability of organic matter in the form of chicken manure at different percentages in the sand substrate had a significant effect on growth (P&lt;0.05), but was not significantly different on the survival rate of Holothuria scabra. The growth of Holothuria scabra were better when organic matter is added than without organic matter content in the form of chicken manure. The difference in the percentage of organic matter affects the fulfillment of energy for nutritional needs, so that the availability of energy for growth is also different, but this difference does not affect Holothuria scabra’ survival rate. The difference in the percentage of organic matter content in the form of less or excess chicken manure has been shown to have a negative effect on growth. Furthermore, it is known that treatment B (20% organic matter in the form of chicken manure and 80% sand) per substrate weight has a better effect on growth compared to other treatments. treatment B (20% organic matter in the form of chicken manure and 80% sand) per weight of substrate can be applied to increase growth Holothuria scabra in rearing substrate manipulation. it is recommended that further research be conducted on the period of addition of organic matter, because there are indications of a decrease in organic matter content during the study.

BLUE SWIMMING CRAB ENLARGEMENT TECHNIQUE: INSIGHT FROM SMALL-SCALE FISHERY IN THE SOUTH COAST OF PAMEKASAN, MADURA ISLAND

Pagagan Village, Pademawu District, and especially members of the "Berkah Capit Biru" fishermen, had the potential to carry out the sustainability of blue swimming crab because of the abundant crab fisheries. The purpose of this research was to encourage fishermen to not always carry out crab fishing activities in nature so nature remained sustainable and to increase the potential of natural and human resources who were enthusiastic about crab enlargement in Pagagan village. This research was conducted from January to May 2022. The crab breeding location measured 8x10 meters, had a substrate of muddy sand, and was in a coastal area bordering a mangrove ecosystem. Wooden stakes woven with bamboo with a netting around them were set higher than the wave. This enlargement technique did not use aeration in the form of wheels but only utilized tidal conditions so that periodic water changes occurred at the site. The stages in the crab enlargement technique are 1) site selection, 2) construction, 3) spreading seeds, 4) feeding, 5) controlling, and 6) harvesting. This enlargement technique is a solution for crab fishermen to meet market stocks. &#x0D; Keywords: blue swimming crab, enlargement technique, small-scale fishery

Distribution and Diversity of Macroalgae in Seagrass and Coral Reef Ecosystems on the Coast

Background: The existence of macroalgae is threatened by various kinds of community activities, such as dumping garbage and household waste on the beach and fishing activities using boats that damage macroalgae habitat. This study aims to determine the distribution and diversity of macroalgae species in seagrass ecosystems and coral reefs on the coast in Samui Island, Surat Thani Province, Thailand. Methods: Data collection was carried out using the quadratic linear transect method. The transects used are 5 pieces with a square measuring 1x1 meter, as many as 10 pieces, and are supported by measurements of various physical parameters of aquatic clams. Results: There are 12 types of macroalgae found on the coast, of which 5 species are in seagrass ecosystems, and 7 are on coral reefs. The distribution of macroalgae in seagrass ecosystems is by attaching to sand and mud substrates, while on coral reefs, macroalgae are attached and stuck to coral rocks on reef flats. The value of macroalgae species diversity in seagrass ecosystems is low (1,381), while coral reefs are classified as medium (2,806). The value of overall macroalgae species diversity on the coast is low (2,093). The condition of physicochemical factors of waters in the form of temperature (29.20C), current strength (23.8 cm / second), depth (124 cm), and salinity of seawater (32.9 ppt) is still in a good range for macroalgae growth, while the acidity (pH) of seawater (6.07) is in a range that is not good for macroalgae growth. Conclusions: The value of macroalgae species diversity in seagrass ecosystems is low, while coral reef ecosystems on the coast are classified as medium.

Studi Kuantitatif Kerapatan Lamun di Perairan Teluk Cempi: Implikasi untuk Konservasi dan Manajemen Sumber Daya Laut

Cempi Bay is an important water area with a rich and diverse ecosystem. One crucial component of marine ecosystem that plays a major role in maintaining the balance of the marine environment is seagrass. The objective of this research is to provide critical insights into the dynamics of seagrass populations in Cempi Bay and offer an overview of the broader coastal ecosystem's condition. The research, conducted in June-July 2021 at 5 research stations, employed the transect method. At each data collection point, three transect lines were created perpendicular to the coastline. The distance between transect lines was 100 m, and each transect consisted of 10 quadrants measuring 1x1 m with a 5 m distance for each quadrant. Four seagrass species were identified: Thalassia hemprichii, Cymodocea rotundata, Halodule pinifolia, and Cymodocea serrulata. These species were found on sand substrates, with the highest total density and percentage cover observed at Station 5 (1135.22 ind/m2 and 40.74%). The results highlight the necessity for routine monitoring, mapping, and further research to comprehend seagrass population dynamics and support effective conservation policies. Implementation of recovery strategies, water quality management, and continued research support is imperative to ensure the sustainability of seagrass ecosystems and marine resources in Cempi Bay.

CULTIVATION OF SEAWEED Caulerpa racemosa USING DIFFERENT SUBSTRATES ON A LABORATORY SCALE

Caulepa racemosa is a type of sea grape from the group of green algae (Chlorophyceae) that can be found in Indonesian waters. Coastal communities use this species as a source of daily food. Besides being a food ingredient, C. racemosa can be used for medical purposes because it contains antioxidants. The distribution of C. racemosa and its density in waters depends on the type of substrate and season. The substrate in the cultivation container is an essential factor in cultivating C. racemosa. Various substrates have different characteristics and influence the growth of C. racemosa. This research aims to analyze the best substrate for the survival of seaweed on a laboratory scale. This research used an experimental method using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of 4 treatments, namely different substrates of sand, coral, volcanic rock, and coral sand. The results of this research are that different types of substrates have a real influence on the survival rate of C. racemosa cultivated on a laboratory scale. Sand substrate gave the best results: a survival rate of 112.83%, a final weight of 22.56 g, and the highest antioxidant content on volcanic rock substrate of 83.19%. This research concludes that differences in substrate directly influence the survival rate and final weight of C.racemosa. The substrate that provided the best survival rate of 112.83% was sand substrate

Emilia fosbergii Nicolson, a novel and effective accumulator for phytoremediation of mercury-contaminated soils

Soil contamination by toxic metals threatens global public health, highlighting the need for cost-effective and ecologically sound site remediation. In this study, we assessed phytoremediation of Hg-contaminated soils by Emilia fosbergii Nicolson (Asteraceae). Pot experiment was conducted using a substrate of sand and vermiculite (1:1 volume ratio), treatments consisted of five Hg concentrations (0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 mg kg−1). Metal transfer rates were calculated, including accumulation (BAF), translocation (TF) and bioconcentration (BCF) factors. E. fosbergii roots exhibited greater Hg accumulation than other tissues, but biomass production and plant health were not significantly affected at the concentrations tested, as indicated by elongation factors and tolerance index. The results revealed BAF values between 2.18 and 7.14, TF values ranged between 0.15 and 0.52, and the BCF index varied between 8.97 and 26.58. Treatments with Hg content of 5 mg kg−1 and 7 mg kg−1 recorded the highest total Hg concentrations of 66 mg kg−1 and 65.53 mg kg−1 (roots), and 9.18 mg kg−1 and 33.88 mg kg−1 (aerial), respectively. E. fosbergii demonstrated promise for Hg phytoremediation due to its high accumulation capacity, indicated by regular TF and high BCF and BAF indexes, thus classifying it as a high Hg accumulator.

Phenotypic, genomic and in planta characterization of Bacillus sensu lato for their phosphorus biofertilization and plant growth promotion features in soybean

Bacillus sensu lato were screened for their capacity to mineralize organic phosphorus (P) and promote plant growth, improving nitrogen (N) and P nutrition of soybean. Isolates were identified through Type Strain Genome Server (TYGS) and Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI). ILBB95, ILBB510 and ILBB592 were identified as Priestia megaterium, ILBB139 as Bacillus wiedmannii, ILBB44 as a member of a sister clade of B. pumilus, ILBB15 as Peribacillus butanolivorans and ILBB64 as Lysinibacillus sp. These strains were evaluated for their capacity to mineralize sodium phytate as organic P and solubilize inorganic P in liquid medium. These assays ranked ILBB15 and ILBB64 with the highest orthophosphate production from phytate. Rhizocompetence and plant growth promotion traits were evaluated in vitro and in silico. Finally, plant bioassays were conducted to assess the effect of the co-inoculation with rhizobial inoculants on nodulation, N and P nutrition. These bioassays showed that B. pumilus, ILBB44 and P. megaterium ILBB95 increased P-uptake in plants on the poor substrate of sand:vermiculite and also on a more fertile mix. Priestia megaterium ILBB592 increased nodulation and N content in plants on the sand:vermiculite:peat mixture. Peribacillus butanolivorans ILBB15 reduced plant growth and nutrition on both substrates. Genomes of ILBB95 and ILBB592 were characterized by genes related with plant growth and biofertilization, whereas ILBB15 was differentiated by genes related to bioremediation. Priestia megaterium ILBB592 is considered as nodule-enhancing rhizobacteria and together with ILBB95, can be envisaged as prospective PGPR with the capacity to exert positive effects on N and P nutrition of soybean plants.