P4: Isolation and characterization of n-fixing and phosphate solubilizing bacteria from grain legumes: for sustainable nutrient management and crop productivity during the era of climate change

Description

Inoculating legumes with effective rhizobia and phosphate solubilizing microorganisms are known to have enormous benefits on the general aspects of legumes. The benefits of bio-fertilizers to legumes include secretion of plant growth hormones, protection of the plant against pathogens, improvement of soil fertility and reduction in the use of chemical fertilizers. They are also cost effective compared to synthetic fertilizer, restore the soil’s natural nutrient cycle, build soil organic matter and provide protection against drought (Itelima et al., 2018). Hence, to achieve all those benefits from legume inoculation, isolation and selection of effective N-fixing rhizobia and phosphate solubilizing microbial strains compatible with the given legume, faba bean in this case, is the first and the most crucial step. In Ethiopia, however, the use of biofertilizers as N source and phosphorus solubilizers are not known well among the farmers. This is mainly due to absence of sufficient and reliable studies conducted on isolation and selection of effective rhizobial and phosphate solubilizing microbial strains, on one hand and lack of awareness among the farmers on the importance of biofertilizers on the other hand. Therefore, this research intends to isolate and select effective rhizobial and phosphate solubilizing microbial strains compatible with faba bean production in the highlands of Ethiopia.

The purpose of this study is to isolate and evaluate soil resident faba bean nodulating rhizobia and phosphate solubilising microbes from highland soils of Ethiopia to understand the potential to improve faba bean production through inoculation. The study also aims at evaluating the responses of faba bean to inoculation with N-fixing and phosphate solubilising microbes under field conditions in the highlands of Ethiopia.

Involved persons

• Assist. Prof. Dr. Tarekegn Yoseph Samago
• Adishiwot Wendimu Dejene

Involved institutions

• School of Plant and Horticultural Sciences, College of Agriculture

Sponsors

Supported by the DAAD program Bilateral SDG Graduate Schools, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)