The Role of Azotobacter in Improving the Agronomy Efficiency of Nitrogen Fertilizer and Growth and Root Production of Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) Plants Propagated through Seeds and Rhizomes

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 MSc Student in Agronomy- Crop Ecology, Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Iran.

2 Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Iran

3 Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Iran.

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Sustainable agricultural production requires innovative strategies to minimize the reliance on polluting agricultural chemicals, including nitrogen fertilizers. A viable agronomic solution to address these challenges is the application of biostimulants, including plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB). The aim of this study was to assess the possibility of reducing the chemical fertilizer application rate through inoculation of Azotobacter for the cultivation of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) plants through seeds and rhizomes.
 
Materials and Methods: A field experiment was conducted with Azotobacter chroococcum (Ac) alone or in combination with varying levels of chemical fertilizers at the Research Field of Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Iran. The five treatments for the experiment were (i) control (no inoculation and fertilization) (ii) Ac inoculation; (iii) 100% recommended N (100% N); (iv) 50% recommended N (50% N); and (v) Ac+50% N which were evaluated in both propagation methods. After measuring the leaf area index (LAI), shoot dry weight, and the number and length of rhizomes and roots and root and rhizome yield, the agronomic efficiency of fertilizer application (AEF), and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) were determined.
 
Results: The observed results revealed that microbial inoculation further influenced root and rhizome biomass production more than shoot biomass production. The simultaneous inoculation of Ac alongside the application of 50% fertilizer, by enhancing leaf area, interestingly, resulted in an increase in the number, length, and yield of roots and rhizomes, achieving the highest NUE and AEF. The treatment of 50% fertilization combined with Ac in rhizome-derived plants yielded the highest Agronomic efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer, demonstrating a significant improvement in AEF compared to both 100% and 50% fertilization levels. Conversely, in seed-derived plants, although there was a 62% increase in AEF with the 50% fertilization + Ac treatment compared to the 50% fertilization level, no significant difference was noted between this treatment and the application of 100% fertilizer. 
 
Conclusion: Findings suggest that A. chroococcum allows reducing nitrogen fertilization doses by up to 50% in licorice plants. The results of this study also showed that the licorice produced from the rhizome showed a multifold increase in various growth traits and yield compared to the licorice obtained from the seed during the first growing year.

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References

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Journal of Agricultural Science and Sustainable Production
Volume 35, Issue 2
July 2025
Pages 85-99

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