Developed microbial biofilms can restore deteriorated conventional agricultural soils

Nitrogen fixing bacteria play a key role in the growth and persistence of effective microbial communities in the soil by supplying N through biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). In the long run, chemical inputs, particularly N fertilisers are known to adversely affect N2 fixers and hence maintenance of soil fertility and crop productivity. This study examined the effect of developed microbial biofilms with N2 fixers on restoration of soils deteriorated by conventional agricultural practices in tea cultivation. Just reducing recommended chemical fertiliser use by 50% significantly increased soil microbial biomass and BNF, and decreased soil NO3− and pest infestation. The lower chemical fertiliser addition coupled with the biofilm-based biofertilisers known as biofilmed biofertilisers (BFBFs) further increased BNF significantly. The combined application significantly increased soil organic C by ca. 20%, and reduced leaf transpiration by ca. 40%. It also supported plant growth, rhizoremediation and soil moisture conservation in comparison to the 100% chemical fertilisation. Those improved performances were observed to be proportional to the increased density of soil bacteria, and have several agronomic and environmental implications. It is apparent from this study that replenishing the depleted soil microbial communities by applying such biofertilisers is likely to be beneficial in agroecosystems with chemical N fertiliser use, if they are to be sustained for crop production.

Research highlights► Developed microbial biofilms (BFBFs) with N2 fixers can restore deteriorated soils in tea cultivation. ► Reducing chemical fertiliser use by 50% improved plant and soil parameters in tea lands. ► The use of BFBFs together with 50% of the chemical fertilisers can further improve the parameters. ► Those improved performances were proportional to increased density of soil bacteria.