Andi Kurniawan, Anna S. Karyawati, Aldila P. Rahayu, Mochammad D. Maghfoer
Salinity is a major challenge to optimizing plant production worldwide. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and goat manure have been shown to alleviate the negative effects of salt stress. This study aims to investigate the mechanism by which PGPR and goat manure mitigate salt stress and enhance shallot yield. Conducted from July to November 2023 in Poncokusumo, Malang, this study employed a randomized block-design (RBD) with three treatment factors: salinity (0 and 150 mM NaCl), PGPR concentration (0, 10, and 20 ml L-1), and goat manure (0, 10, and 20 t ha-1). A combination of 20 ml L-1 PGPR and 20 t ha-1 goat manure was applied to evaluate its effect on plant growth and yield components under both normal or salt stress conditions. The results showed that 150 mM NaCl significantly reduced plant growth variables (leaf number, leaf area, tiller number, biomass) and yield parameters (bulbs number, bulb diameter, bulb fresh weight). The combination of 20 ml L-1 PGPR and 20 t ha-1 goat manure treatment led to greater improvements in plant morphology compared to untreated plants, both under normal and stressed conditions. This treatment also enhanced relative chlorophyll content and relative water content (RWC). Additionally, salinity increased osmoprotectant levels, such as proline and flavonoids. Moreover, the treatment of PGPR and goat manure under salinity significantly boosted these compounds, which are crucial for salinity defense. Our findings suggest that the combined use of rhizobacteria and biofertilizers as soil organic amendments under salinity stress can improve crop resilience and yield, supporting sustainable agricultural practices. © 2025 the authors.
Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Brawijaya, Jl. Veteran, East Java, Malang, 65145, Indonesia
