Effects of different carrier microbial fertilizers on alfalfa growth, soil nutrients and enzyme activity

Chen Ying, Nie Hui, Zhang Jinchi, Tong Guoqing, Liu Qianqian, Liu Xin, Sun Lianhao, Zhang Xiongfei, Xue Rengui

Journal of Nanjing Forestry University (Natural Sciences Edition） ›› 2026, Vol. 50 ›› Issue (5) : 209-218.

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南京林业大学学报（自然科学版）
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Journal of Nanjing Forestry University (Natural Sciences Edition） ›› 2026, Vol. 50 ›› Issue (5) : 209-218. DOI: 10.12302/j.issn.1000-2006.202512023

Effects of different carrier microbial fertilizers on alfalfa growth, soil nutrients and enzyme activity

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Abstract

【Objective】This study aims to evaluate the effects of microbial fertilizers prepared with different carrier materials and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on plant growth and soil environmental improvement, and to identify suitable carrier materials for microbial fertilizer production. 【Method】A pot experiment was conducted using Bacillus thuringiensis (NL-11) as the PGPR strain. Microbial fertilizers were prepared using peat (p), biochar (bc), spent mushroom substrate (sms), vermiculite (ve), diatomite (di), and bagasse (ba) as carrier materials. Three application rates (25 g, 50 g, and 100 g) were tested to determine the optimal carrier and dosage. Root morphology, plant biomass of Medicago sativa, soil physicochemical properties, and soil enzyme activities were measured under different treatments. 【Result】Compared with peat-based microbial fertilizer, microbial fertilizers prepared with the five alternative carriers improved plant growth and soil nutrient conditions to varying degrees. Among them, the spent mushroom substrate-based fertilizer showed the most pronounced effects. Plant biomass increased significantly by 76.25%-149.6%, while soil pH increased by 7.85%-17.89%. The contents of available phosphorus, ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, total carbon, total sulfur, and total phosphorus were also significantly enhanced. In addition, the spent mushroom substrate-based fertilizer significantly improved soil multifunctionality. Among the three application rates, 100 g showed the best performance in promoting plant growth and improving soil conditions. Linear regression analysis indicated significant correlations between soil multifunctionality and both soil pH and plant biomass. 【Correlation】 Analysis further revealed significant positive relationships between soil multifunctionality and biomass, total carbon, and several soil nutrient indicators. Random forest analysis showed that soil total carbon was the most important predictor of plant biomass variation.

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microbial fertilisers / carrier / root growth / soil nutrients / soil enzyme activity / Medicago sativa

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Chen Ying , Nie Hui , Zhang Jinchi , et al . Effects of different carrier microbial fertilizers on alfalfa growth, soil nutrients and enzyme activity[J]. Journal of Nanjing Forestry University (Natural Sciences Edition）. 2026, 50(5): 209-218 https://doi.org/10.12302/j.issn.1000-2006.202512023

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