Yield promotion and phosphorus solubilization by plant growth–promoting rhizobacteria in extensive wheat production in Turkey

Plant growth–promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have been reported to stimulate the growth and yield of grain crops, particularly when nutrient supply is poor. However, the mechanisms underlying stimulation of plant growth may vary depending not only on growth conditions and crop management but also on plant and bacterial species. The present study assessed the effect of an inoculation with single or multiple PGPR strains on phosphorus (P)‐solubilization processes in the soil and on grain yield in wheat. Single inoculation with Bacillus subtilis OSU‐142, Bacillus megaterium M3, or Azospirillum brasilense Sp245 increased grain yield by 24%, 19%, and 19%, respectively, while a mixed inoculation with OSU‐142, M3, and Sp245 increased grain yield by 33% relative to noninoculated plants. Single inoculations with Paenibacillus polymyxa RC05 or Bacillus megaterium RC07 were less effective. Single or mixed treatments with OSU‐142, M3, and Sp245 increased the concentrations of the labile and moderately labile P fractions in rhizosphere soil. The growth‐stimulating effect of OSU‐142, M3, and Sp245 was also reflected by higher P concentrations in most plant organs. Among all inocula tested, the highest plant P acquisition was obtained in the presence of M3 and accompanied by the highest microbial P levels and the highest phosphatase activities in the rhizosphere soil. In conclusion, seed inoculation with mixed PGPR strains may effectively substitute for a part of P‐fertilizer application in extensive wheat production, and in particular M3 appears to improve the solubilization of inorganic soil P.