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Co-inoculation of a halotolerant Bacillus strain and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi for improving plant growth in saline soils

Author

Listed:
  • Xinyu Li

    (School of Energy and Environment, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou, P.R. China)

  • Fahu Li

    (Department of Horticulture and Landscape Technology, Vocational and Technical College of Inner Mongolia Agricultural, Baotou, P.R. China)

  • Lu Wang

    (School of Life Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou, P.R. China)

  • Yiming Qian

    (School of Life Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou, P.R. China)

  • Tianyu Huang

    (School of Life Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou, P.R. China)

  • Jianhong Han

    (School of Energy and Environment, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou, P.R. China)

  • Yongjun Fan

    (School of Life Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou, P.R. China)

Abstract

Soil salinisation is a major factor limiting plant growth and land utilisation in arid and semiarid regions. This study focused on the native halophyte Suaeda salsa in western Inner Mongolia to explore halophyte-associated microbial resources with plant growth-promoting potential under saline conditions. A total of 30 salt-tolerant bacteria strains were isolated from its rhizosphere. Among them, Bacillus infantis strain 29 tolerated up to 10% NaCl (w/v) and exhibited multiple plant-growth-promoting traits, including highly active 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, phosphorus solubilisation, potassium mobilisation and diazotrophic potential as indicated by growth on nitrogen-free medium. Under pot conditions, inoculation with strain 29, particularly in combination with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), promoted plant growth under saline stress. In Suaeda salsa, the combined treatment significantly increased fresh weight and root length relative to the control, and positive growth responses were also observed in Zea mays and Medicago sativa. This study proposes an effective "halophyte-PGPR-AMF" synergistic strategy and provides a potential biological approach and microbial resource reference for improving plant growth and crop performance in salt-affected soils of western Inner Mongolia and other arid and semiarid regions with similar environmental conditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Xinyu Li & Fahu Li & Lu Wang & Yiming Qian & Tianyu Huang & Jianhong Han & Yongjun Fan, 2026. "Co-inoculation of a halotolerant Bacillus strain and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi for improving plant growth in saline soils," Plant, Soil and Environment, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 72(5), pages 307-320.
    • Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlpse:v:72:y:2026:i:5:id:110-2026-pse
    DOI: 10.17221/110/2026-PSE
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yu, Ruihong & Liu, Tingxi & Xu, Youpeng & Zhu, Chao & Zhang, Qing & Qu, Zhongyi & Liu, Xiaomin & Li, Changyou, 2010. "Analysis of salinization dynamics by remote sensing in Hetao Irrigation District of North China," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 97(12), pages 1952-1960, November.
    2. Limin Jiang & Anrui Ning & Min Liu & Yanhan Zhu & Junwei Huang & Yingjie Guo & Weizhi Feng & Daping Fu & Hongbin Wang & Jingli Wang, 2025. "Effects of Tillage Practices on Soil Properties and Maize Yield in Different Types of Soda Saline–Alkali Soils," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-20, March.
    3. Yannan Liu & Yan Zhu & Wei Mao & Guanfang Sun & Xudong Han & Jingwei Wu & Jinzhong Yang, 2022. "Development and Application of a Water and Salt Balance Model for Well-Canal Conjunctive Irrigation in Semiarid Areas with Shallow Water Tables," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-25, March.
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