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Isolation and growth-promoting mechanisms of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria from Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in Lespedeza bicolor Turcz

  • 0Collaborative Innovation Center of Sustainable Forestry in Southern China of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China.
Frontiers in Microbiology +

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October 3, 2025

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October 3, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) effectively promote leguminous plant growth in high-altitude regions. Inoculation with Bacillus atrophaeus (Q4) significantly enhanced Lespedeza bicolor biomass and soil nutrients, aiding ecological restoration.

Area Of Science

  • Microbiology
  • Soil Science
  • Plant Science

Background

  • High-altitude slope recovery is hindered by nutrient-poor soils, particularly phosphorus deficiency limiting plant growth.
  • Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) are crucial for mobilizing soil phosphorus, a key nutrient for plant development.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To screen efficient PSB strains from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau for high-altitude ecological restoration.
  • To evaluate the growth-promoting effects of selected PSB strains on Lespedeza bicolor Turcz.
  • To explore the optimal bacterial strain-plant combinations and their underlying mechanisms.

Main Methods

  • Screening of PSB strains from undisturbed Qinghai-Tibet Plateau soils.
  • Potted plant experiments inoculating Lespedeza bicolor Turcz with Bacillus atrophaeus (Q4), B. megaterium (Q7), and B. megaterium (YG1).
  • Analysis of plant biomass, soil nutrient content, enzyme activity, microbial community diversity, and gene expression.

Main Results

  • Inoculation with Q4, Q7, and YG1 strains increased Lespedeza bicolor biomass by 29.9%–133.5% and improved soil properties.
  • Strain Q4 demonstrated the most significant growth-promoting effect (133.5% biomass increase) and formed an ideal combination with L. bicolor.
  • Q4 inoculation altered soil microbial community structure, increased soil nutrient availability, and upregulated key metabolic genes.

Conclusions

  • Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria effectively promote leguminous plant growth and enhance soil conditions in high-altitude environments.
  • Leveraging PSB's indirect effects offers a novel strategy for improving soil quality and facilitating ecological restoration in challenging terrains.
  • This approach provides new insights for ecological restoration in China and similar high-altitude regions globally.

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