A recent study has unveiled the significant role of beneficial microbes in enhancing soil health and boosting crop yields in northwest China. Conducted jointly by the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources (NIEER) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Austrian Institute of Technology, the research focused on maize cultivation in the region.
The study addresses the challenge of barren alkaline loess found on the Loess Plateau and desert areas in northwest China, which has been a major barrier to crop productivity. “We’re tackling the scientific problem of how to improve crop yields in these challenging soils,” said Wang Ruoyu, a researcher at NIEER.
By leveraging plant-friendly microbes as natural soil enhancers, the researchers aimed to improve both harvests and soil quality. Over a two-year field trial, they tested how a microbial inoculant affects soil conditions and maize growth.
The findings were remarkable: increased microbial activity accounted for nearly half of the improvements in soil quality and was the primary driver behind the surge in maize yields. “Our study highlights the potential of beneficial microbes in promoting sustainable agriculture,” Wang explained.
This research offers promising solutions for enhancing agricultural sustainability, especially in regions facing soil degradation. The full findings were recently published in the journal Microbiological Research.
