Enhancing Soybean (Glycine max) Growth through Nitrogen Fixing, Phosphate Solubilizing, and Potash Mobilizing Combi Liquid Bioconsortium

Soybean (Glycine max) growth largely relies on three key macronutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). During the present research, a liquid bioconsortium of nitrogen fixing, phosphorus solubilizing, and potassium mobilizing bacteria was developed to boost soybean growth and yield, that proved more effective than individual microbial cultures. The seed treatment with the bioconsortium was applied over two consecutive Kharif seasons (2022–2023 and 2023–2024) at Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri (M.S.), India. It significantly enhanced plant growth parameters such as germination rate, shoot and root length, plant vigor index, plant height at flowering and harvesting stages, number of branches, and nodules. The yield parameters like number of pods and 100-seed weight also significantly improved. Treatment T5 (100% NPK + bioconsortium) resulted in the highest seed yield (23.91 q ha?¹) with straw yield (31.98 q ha?¹), outperforming other treatments, followed by T4 (75% NPK + bioconsortium) and T6 (RDF 100% NPK), demonstrating superior reproductive performance over both years. The lowest results were obtained from treatment T7 i.e. absolute control. These results highlight the effectiveness of the liquid bioconsortium in improving soybean productivity, positioning it as a valuable approach for supporting sustainable agricultural practices.