EVALUATION OF POTENTIAL POTASSIUM-SOLUBILIZING MICROORGANISMS AND THEIR STIMULUS TO SOYBEAN PLANT GROWTH

• Grant number: 23/12212-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date until: February 01, 2024
• End date until: January 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Soil Science
• Principal Investigator: Fernando Dini Andreote
• Grantee: Vinicius Tabai Peres
• Host Institution: Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Brazilian agriculture faces a scenario where a high use of fertilizers is required to ensure crop growth and productivity. Among these fertilizers, potassium-based ones stand out, but only a small portion of this demand is met by domestic production. This limitation makes Brazil highly dependent on imports of these products, resulting in economic and agricultural challenges. In this context, it becomes essential to conduct studies and research with the aim of finding new possibilities for obtaining potassium for plants. This search for alternatives that aim to reduce import costs while promoting sustainability in the agricultural sector is crucial. The discovery of new sources or the improvement of technologies for the more efficient use of this nutrient becomes an important strategy to boost Brazilian agriculture in a more self-sufficient and environmentally conscious manner.Considering the points presented, certain microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria appear as potential solutions to the limited availability of potassium sources within the country when used in conjunction with insoluble sources of the nutrient, such as rock powder, which can be represented by phonolite and verdete and are gaining more attention in the market. In this regard, this project aims to evaluate the potassium solubilization potential of plant growth-promoting microorganisms and their impact on the growth and development of soybean crops. To achieve this purpose, the work will consist of two stages: (a) identifying potassium-solubilizing microorganisms and (b) assessing plant growth and development through the inoculation of selected microorganisms. The trials will be conducted in a greenhouse, and the evaluation will employ complementary techniques, covering biometric parameters, photosynthetic performance, potassium content in the leaves, and the biological quality of the soil.With the results obtained throughout the project, we hope to tap into the significant potential through new studies and the development of new knowledge in the field, aiming to obtain products that are more efficient in the use of fertilizers and soil conditioners and achieve maximum productivity in the currently most important agricultural crops.