Integrated effects of microbial culture and nitrogen application on phytoremediation, physiology and growth of maize in glyphosate-contaminated soil

Glyphosate can disrupt the food chain and harm non-target organisms, highlighting the need to remediate contaminated soils. This study sought to determine the efficacy of co-applying mixed microbial culture (MMC) and two different levels of nitrogen (50% and 100%) in glyphosate-contaminated soil (800 mg/kg) and to assess their role in maize (<i>Zea mays</i> L.) growth and physiology and glyphosate uptake by plants and removal from soil. The results showed that glyphosate posed significant phytotoxicity to maize plants by causing up to 43.7-91.5%, 8.60-54.3%, and 13.2-51.6% reduction in nutrient uptake, physiological, and growth attributes of maize plants in glyphosate-contaminated soil, respectively. The co-application of MMC and the recommended dose of 100% nitrogen significantly improved the agronomic (24.6-55.0%), nutrient uptake (37.4-90.0%), and physiological (16.9-54.0%) attributes of maize plants as compared to unamended contaminated controls. Although the individual application of MMC or N was effective in improving glyphosate removal from the soil, their co-application further enhanced this effect by removing glyphosate 85.8% higher than the respective control. This research strategy contributes to sustainable development goal 2 (zero-hunger) and 15 (life on land) by enhancing food production, remediating contaminated soil, and restoring the ecosystem.