Role of Ochrobactrum Bacteria and Organic Matter in Plant Growth and the Content of N, P, and K Under Soil Salinity Stress

Authors

  • Huda Krebit Hundi

    Department of Soil Science and Water Resources, College of Agriculture, University of Al-Kufa, Najaf 54003, Iraq

  • Mustafa Qais Hamid

    Department of Soil Science and Water Resources, College of Agriculture, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Al-Diwaniyah 58000, Iraq

  • Ali Abdul Majeed Noori

    Department of Horticulture and landscape engineering, College of Agriculture, University of Al-Kufa, Najaf 54003, Iraq

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/jees.v7i5.8777
Received: 18 February 2025 | Revised: 4 March 2025 | Accepted: 10 March 2025 | Published Online: 23 April 2025

Abstract

Organic matter increases biological activity within the root zone because it contains beneficial microbes that stimulate vital processes. This study aimed to determine the effect of Ochrobactrum anthropi added to the soil as a single or mixed solution with different concentrations of organic matter on the vegetative growth of the zinnia plant and its content of nutrients. The study was conducted with a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The plant was grown in soil with a high salinity level of 8 ds m1. Plant characteristics were estimated 30 and 60 days after planting the plant. The treatment with the addition of bio-inoculum produced the best results; within 30 days, there was a 56.89% increase in plant length; after 60 days, there was a 52.56% increase; additionally, there was a 52.56% increase in leaf count within 30 days; after 60 days, there was a 53.50% increase; and finally, there was an increase in flower count. For plants after 60 days, it reached 3.66%. With the addition of bio-inoculum to soil at a level of 3 gm kg1 of organic matter, the mixing treatment achieved the highest dry weight, 29.86%. The addition of bio-inoculum resulted in the largest and most significant increase in chlorophyll content in leaves, reaching 18.76%. In the mixing addition of the biological inoculum treatment, the organic content of the plant showed an increase in nitrogen (14.38%), phosphorus (21.18%), and potassium (39.75%) at 2 and 3 gm kg1 organic matter, respectively.

Keywords:

Ochrobactrum anthropi; Organic Matter; Salt Stress; Zinnia elegans

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How to Cite

Huda Krebit Hundi, Mustafa Qais Hamid, & Ali Abdul Majeed Noori. (2025). Role of Ochrobactrum Bacteria and Organic Matter in Plant Growth and the Content of N, P, and K Under Soil Salinity Stress. Journal of Environmental & Earth Sciences, 7(5), 130–139. https://doi.org/10.30564/jees.v7i5.8777