Abstract:
Objectives This study systematically investigated the effects of the plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR) Bacillus velezensis on the growth of the leguminous green manure crop (black beans) and on the growth, yield, and nutrient uptake of the subsequent winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The aim was to explore an integrated approach for enhancing the ecological performance of green manure crops and the productivity of winter wheat in drylands.
Methods Pot and field experiments were conducted to evaluate black beans growth under different PGPR inoculation treatments. The effects of different PGPRs on the growth, photosynthetic parameters, and physiological traits of the subsequent winter wheat were assessed.
Results 1) Application of Bacillus velezensis increased the biomass of black beans green manure and enhanced root growth and development. In the pot experiment, root parameters root volume, root diameter, and number of root tips increased significantly by 314%, 28%, and 129%, respectively, compared to the control. 2) Bacillus velezensis inoculation improved the N uptake capacity of the leguminous green manure by promoting its root development, consequently increasing the amount of N returned to the soil. 3) Under the combined application of black beans and Bacillus velezensis, the net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and intercellular CO2 concentration in winter wheat leaves at the grain filling stage showed an increasing trend compared to the control. 4) The combined application of black beans with Bacillus velezensis effectively promoted winter wheat growth (including basic seedlings, winter tiller number, and total spring stems of winter wheat), ultimately enhancing grain yield formation and nutrient uptake. In particular, phosphorus uptake by wheat showed a significant increase of 23.5% compared to the control.
Conclusions The synergistic application of leguminous green manure crops with PGPR significantly enhanced black beans and winter wheat growth, improved photosynthetic performance, and increased grain yield and nutrient uptake. This approach effectively elevates the ecological benefits of leguminous green manure crops, and provides scientific basis and technical support for advancing high-quality green agriculture in drylands.