Rhizosphere Engineering in Saline Soils: Role of PGPR and Organic Manures in Root–Soil Biochemical Interactions for Allium Crops

Abstract

Soil salinity disrupts rhizosphere interactions, impairing root-microbe symbioses, nutrient uptake, and water relations in onion (<i>Allium cepa</i> L.) and garlic (<i>Allium sativum</i> L.). This study evaluated the efficacy of biofertilizers (<i>Azotobacter chroococcum</i> SARS 10 and <i>Azospirillum lipoferum</i> SP2) and organic amendments (sewage sludge and poultry manure) in salt-affected soils in Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt. Five treatments were applied: (T1) control (no amendments); (T2) biofertilizer (3 L/ha for onion, 12 L/ha for garlic) + inorganic P (150 kg/ha P₂O₅ for onion, 180 kg/ha for garlic) and K (115 kg/ha K₂SO₄ for onion, 150 kg/ha for garlic); (T3) 50% inorganic N (160 kg/ha for onion, 127.5 kg/ha for garlic) + 50% organic manure (6000 kg/ha for onion, 8438 kg/ha for garlic) + P and K; (T4) biofertilizer + T3; and (T5) conventional inorganic NPK (320 kg/ha N for onion, 255 kg/ha N for garlic + P and K). Soil nutrients (N, P, K), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), dehydrogenase activity, and microbial populations were analyzed using standard protocols. Plant growth (chlorophyll, photosynthetic rate), stress indicators (malondialdehyde, proline), and yield (bulb diameter, fresh yield) were measured. Treatment T4 increased MBC by 30-40%, dehydrogenase activity by 25-35%, available N (39.7 mg/kg for onion, 35.7 mg/kg for garlic), P (17.9 mg/kg for onion), and K (108 mg/kg for garlic). Soil organic matter rose by 8-12%, and cation exchange capacity by 26-36%. Chlorophyll content improved by 25%, malondialdehyde decreased by 20-30%, and fresh yields increased by 20-30% (12.17 tons/ha for garlic). A soybean bioassay confirmed sustained fertility with 20-25% higher dry weight and 30% greater N uptake in T4 plots. These findings highlight biofertilizers and organic amendments as sustainable solutions for <i>Allium</i> productivity in saline rhizospheres.