Enhancing wheat productivity and soil revitalization using Bacillus-based bioinoculants in Nutrient-deficient soils

Global agriculture is under growing pressure to achieve higher food production while facing challenges such as declining soil fertility, nutrient deficiencies, and limited arable land. Conventional nutrient management strategies often improve yield in the short term but undermine long-term sustainability, whereas plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) provide an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative. Among these, mineral-solubilizing Bacillus species are particularly important for enhancing nutrient availability, restoring soil health, and sustaining crop productivity. This study evaluated the impact of a Bacillus-based bioinoculant on wheat growth and soil health in nutrient-deficient soils over two consecutive cropping seasons. Three formulations of Bacillus megaterium strains were tested, with the combined application of strains ZE32 and ZR19 (BF3) showing the most significant improvements in plant performance and soil properties. Plants inoculated with BF3 exhibited improved growth, physiological traits, and stress tolerance, resulting in a 22% increase in grain yield and 24% increase in straw yield compared to uninoculated controls. In addition, Nutrient uptake (N, P, K, Fe, Zn) and rhizosphere microbial activity were markedly improved, as further confirmed by principal component analysis (PCA). Overall, the findings highlight that co-inoculation with Bacillus-based bioinoculants is a promising and sustainable strategy for improving wheat productivity and revitalizing nutrient-deficient soils.