Physiological and Agronomic Responses of Maize (Zea mays L.) to Compost and PGPR Under Different Salinity Levels

Salinity stress severely limits maize (<i>Zea mays</i> L.) productivity, necessitating sustainable mitigation strategies to ensure food security in affected regions. This study investigates the efficacy of compost (5 and 10 t/ha) and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR; <i>Azospirillum brasilense</i>) in enhancing maize productivity and soil health under salinity stress (EC_e 3.5 and 6.3 dS/m) across three varieties (Single Cross 131, 132, and 178) in field experiments conducted in 2023 and 2024. Combined compost-10 + PGPR treatment significantly increased grain yield by up to 197% and straw yield by nearly 300% in Single Cross 178 under high salinity, surpassing single treatments. Nitrogen content in grains and straw rose by 157%, while proline, peroxidase activity, and chlorophyll content improved, indicating robust stress tolerance. Soil properties, including pH, EC_e, sodium adsorption ratio, and exchangeable sodium percentage, were significantly ameliorated, with bulk density reduced and porosity increased. Soil organic matter and microbial populations (bacteria and fungi) were also enhanced. Single Cross 178 exhibited superior stress tolerance, highlighting varietal differences. These findings, supported by comparisons with the existing literature, underscore the synergistic role of compost and PGPR in improving nutrient uptake, antioxidant defenses, and soil structure. This study offers a sustainable strategy for maize cultivation in saline environments, with implications for global food security.