Effect of PSB seed inoculation and phosphorus levels on growth and productivity of mung bean (Vigna radiata L.)

Abstract

Phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) are critical in increasing phosphorus (P) dynamics in the rhizosphere, which improves nutrient acquisition, nodulation, and photosynthetic efficiency in mung bean (Vigna radiata). Inoculating crops or soil with PSB not only improves P absorption and bioavailability, but also helps to promote sustainable agriculture by lowering reliance on chemical fertilizers. PSB has synergistic benefits, especially when co-inoculated with beneficial microorganisms such as Rhizobium and vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM), resulting in significant improvements in plant growth metrics, reproductive development, and yield stability across a wide range of soil conditions. Research shows that biological interventions can be as effective as traditional fertilization approaches, providing comparable or even higher yields while improving soil health. Optimal combinations, such as PSB with tricalcium phosphate (TCP) or integrated nutrient management systems, enhance biomass accumulation, pod growth, and nutrient utilization efficiency. Field studies consistently show that PSB inoculation, particularly when combined with moderate phosphorus supplementation (e.g., 40-60 kg P/ha), improves important agronomic features, providing a possible path toward environmentally friendly and efficient crop production systems. Long-term field trials are required to corroborate these findings and promote the broad use of PSB-based bio-fertilization in modern agriculture.