Integrating Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) for Sustainable Agriculture in Pakistan: Enhancing Crop Yields, Soil Health, and Environmental Resilience
This study investigates the efficacy of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) in enhancing crop yield, improving soil health, and reducing environmental impacts in the agricultural practices of Pakistan. Conducted in Faisalabad, the research utilized a randomized complete block design to evaluate the effects of PGPR, both independently and in combination with reduced chemical fertilizer use, on rapeseed and maize crops. The results revealed that PGPR significantly increased seed yield, 1000-seed weight, oil content in rapeseed, and protein content in maize, with the “PGPR Only” treatment outperforming the control group that relied solely on chemical fertilizers. Soil health indicators, including nitrogen content, phosphorus availability, and organic carbon levels, improved notably in the PGPR-treated plots. Additionally, the reduced use of chemical fertilizers led to a substantial decrease in nutrient leaching potential and carbon footprint, highlighting the environmental benefits of integrating PGPR into sustainable farming practices. This study underscores the potential of PGPR to enhance agricultural productivity while promoting environmental sustainability in Pakistan, advocating for their broader adoption in the region.
Keywords: PGPR, sustainable agriculture, crop yield, soil health, environmental impact
