Harnessing rhizospheric core microbiomes from arid regions for enhancing date palm resilience to climate change effects.

Date palm cultivation has thrived in the Gulf Cooperation Council region since ancient times, where it represents a vital sector in agricultural and socio-economic development. However, climate change conditions prevailing for decades in this area, next to rarefication of rain, hot temperatures, intense evapotranspiration, rise of sea level, salinization of groundwater, and intensification of cultivation, contributed to increase salinity in the soil as well as in irrigation water and to seriously threaten date palm cultivation sustainability. There are also growing concerns about soil erosion and its repercussions on date palm oases. While several reviews have reported on solutions to sustain date productivity, including genetic selection of suitable cultivars for the local harsh environmental conditions and the implementation of efficient management practices, no systematic review of the desertic plants' below-ground microbial communities and their potential contributions to date palm adaptation to climate change has been reported yet. Indeed, desert microorganisms are expected to address critical agricultural challenges and economic issues. Therefore, the primary objectives of the present critical review are to (1) analyze and synthesize current knowledge and scientific advances on desert plant-associated microorganisms, (2) review and summarize the impacts of their application on date palm, and (3) identify possible gaps and suggest relevant guidance for desert plant microbes' inoculation approach to sustain date palm cultivation within the Gulf Cooperation Council in general and in Qatar in particular.

Effectiveness of bio-effectors on maize, wheat and tomato performance and phosphorus acquisition from greenhouse to field scales in Europe and Israel: a meta-analysis.

Biostimulants (Bio-effectors, BEs) comprise plant growth-promoting microorganisms and active natural substances that promote plant nutrient-acquisition, stress resilience, growth, crop quality and yield. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of BEs, particularly under field conditions, appears highly variable and poorly quantified. Using random model meta-analyses tools, we summarize the effects of 107 BE treatments on the performance of major crops, mainly conducted within the EU-funded project BIOFECTOR with a focus on phosphorus (P) nutrition, over five years. Our analyses comprised 94 controlled pot and 47 field experiments under different geoclimatic conditions, with variable stress levels across European countries and Israel. The results show an average growth/yield increase by 9.3% (n=945), with substantial differences between crops (tomato > maize > wheat) and growth conditions (controlled nursery + field (Seed germination and nursery under controlled conditions and young plants transplanted to the field) > controlled > field). Average crop growth responses were independent of BE type, P fertilizer type, soil pH and plant-available soil P (water-P, Olsen-P or Calcium acetate lactate-P). BE effectiveness profited from manure and other organic fertilizers, increasing soil pH and presence of abiotic stresses (cold, drought/heat or salinity). Systematic meta-studies based on published literature commonly face the inherent problem of publication bias where the most suspected form is the selective publication of statistically significant results. In this meta-analysis, however, the results obtained from all experiments within the project are included. Therefore, it is free of publication bias. In contrast to reviews of published literature, our unique study design is based on a common standardized protocol which applies to all experiments conducted within the project to reduce sources of variability. Based on data of crop growth, yield and P acquisition, we conclude that application of BEs can save fertilizer resources in the future, but the efficiency of BE application depends on cropping systems and environments.

Cold-adapted Exiguobacterium sibiricum K1 as a potential bioinoculant in cold regions: Physiological and genomic elucidation of biocontrol and plant growth promotion.

The scarcity of soil nutrient availability under cold conditions of Himalayan regions needs a sustainable approach for better crop yields. The cold-adapted bacteria, Exiguobacterium sibiricum K1, with the potential to produce several plant growth-promoting (PGP) attributes, nitrogen fixation, indole acetic acid production, phosphate and potassium solubilization at 10 °C can provide an opportunity to promote crop yield improvement in an eco-friendly way under cold conditions. The bacterium also exhibited biocontrol activity against two phytopathogens and produced siderophore (53.0 ± 0.5 % psu). The strain's PGP properties were investigated using a spinach-based bioassay under controlled conditions. The bacterized seeds showed a notable increase in germination rate (23.2 %), shoot length (65.3 %), root length (56.6 %), leaf area (73.7 %), number of leaflets (65.2 %), and dry matter (65.2 %). Additionally, the leaf analysis indicated elevated chlorophyll pigments, i.e., chlorophyll a (55.5 %), chlorophyll b (42.8 %), carotenoids (35.2 %), percentage radical scavenging activity (47.4 %), and leaf nutrient uptake such as nitrogen (23.4 %), calcium (60.8 %), potassium (62.3 %), and magnesium (28.9 %). Moreover, the whole-genome sequencing and genome mining endorsed various biofertilisation-related genes, including genes for potassium and phosphate solubilization, iron and nitrogen acquisition, carbon dioxide fixation, and biocontrol ability of Exiguobacterium sibiricum K1. Overall, this study highlights the role of Exiguobacterium sibiricum K1 as a potential bioinoculant for improving crop yield under cold environments.

Effect of Bio-Fertilizer Application on Agronomic Traits, Yield, and Nutrient Uptake of Barley (Hordeum vulgare) in Saline Soil.

Under salinity conditions, growth and productivity of grain crops decrease, leading to inhibition and limited absorption of water and elements necessary for plant growth, osmotic imbalance, ionic stress, and oxidative stress. Microorganisms in bio-fertilizers have several mechanisms to provide benefits to crop plants and reduce the harmful effect of salinity. They can be effective in dissolving phosphate, fixing nitrogen, promoting plant growth, and can have a combination of all these qualities. During two successful agricultural seasons, two field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of bio-fertilizer applications, including phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), nitrogen fixation bacteria and a mix of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and nitrogen fixation bacteria with three rates, 50, 75 and 100% NPK, of the recommended dose of minimal fertilizer on agronomic traits, yield and nutrient uptake of barley (Hordeum vulgare) under saline condition in Village 13, Farafra Oasis, New Valley Governorate, Egypt. The results showed that the application of Microbein + 75% NPK recorded the highest values of plant height, spike length, number of spikes/m2, grain yield (Mg ha-1), straw yield (Mg ha-1), biological yield (Mg ha-1), protein content %, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) uptakes in grain and straw (kg ha-1), available nitrogen (mg/kg soil), available phosphorus (mg/kg soil), total microbial count of soil, antioxidant activity of soil (AOA), dehydrogenase, nitrogen fixers, and PSB counts. The application of bio-fertilizers led to an increase in plant tolerance to salt stress, plant growth, grain yield, and straw yield, in addition to the application of the bio-fertilizers, which resulted in a 25% saving in the cost of mineral fertilizers used in barley production.

Smallholder farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding agricultural inputs with a focus on agricultural biologicals.

There is a general drive to reduce pesticide use owing to the potential negative effects of pesticides on the environment and human health. The EU Commission, for example, through its "Farm to Fork Strategy," has proposed to decrease the use of hazardous chemical pesticides by 50% by 2030. In addition, smallholder farmers in low-income countries do not always follow pesticide safety precautions. This necessitates the introduction of low-risk crop protection strategies also suited for these farmers. Agricultural biologicals can substitute for, or at least partially replace hazardous chemical pesticides. While the market for and use of biologicals is growing quickly in industrialized countries, this practice remains limited in sub-Saharan Africa. To understand the reason behind the low adoption of biologicals, this study examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward biologicals among 150 smallholder farmers in the Chole district in Ethiopia. All farmers used chemical pesticides and/or inorganic fertilizers to protect crops, improve yields, and comply with government regulations. The use of biologicals was, however, restricted to one group of biologicals, bio-fertilizers, which approximately 60% of farmers used, and no use of biologicals for plant protection was reported. Even though the understanding of the concept of biologicals was deemed high among respondents, the majority (90%) did not identify biologicals as safer alternatives to conventional agricultural inputs. More than half of the respondents (54%) did not recommend biologicals as safer alternatives to their colleagues. Nevertheless, even if the responding farmers did not perceive biologicals as risk-free, they had a positive attitude towards biologicals when it came to producing healthy food and increasing crop yields and incomes. In comparison to the positive attitude, farmers' knowledge and practice of biologicals were generally low; thus, efforts are needed to create awareness among farmers.

Microbeads as carriers for Bacillus pumilus: a biofertilizer focus on auxin production.

The study aimed to develop a solid biofertilizer using Bacillus pumilus, focusing on auxin production to enhance plant drought tolerance. Methods involved immobilising B. pumilus in alginate-starch beads, focusing on microbial concentration, biopolymer types, and environmental conditions. The optimal formulation showed a diameter of 3.58 mm ± 0.18, a uniform size distribution after 15 h of drying at 30 °C, a stable bacterial concentration (1.99 × 109 CFU g-1 ± 1.03 × 109 over 180 days at room temperature), a high auxin production (748.8 µg g-1 ± 10.3 of IAA in 7 days), and a water retention capacity of 37% ± 4.07. In conclusion, this new formulation of alginate + starch + L-tryptophan + B. pumilus has the potential for use in crops due to its compelling water retention, high viability in storage at room temperature, and high auxin production, which provides commercial advantages.

Advances in the Development of Biofertilizers and Biostimulants from Microalgae.

Microalgae have commercial potential in different sectors of the industry. Specifically in modern agriculture, they can be used because they have the ability to supply nutrients to the soil and produce plant growth hormones, polysaccharides, antimicrobial compounds, and other metabolites that improve agricultural productivity. Therefore, products formulated from microalgae as biofertilizers and biostimulants turn out to be beneficial for agriculture and are positioned as a novel and environmentally friendly strategy. However, these bioproducts present challenges in preparation that affect their shelf life due to the rapid degradation of bioformulated products. Therefore, this work aimed to provide a comprehensive review of biofertilizers and biostimulants from microalgae, for which a bibliometric analysis was carried out to establish trends using scientometric indicators, technological advances were identified in terms of formulation methods, and the global market for these bioproducts was analyzed.

Emerging nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria for sustainable cotton cultivation.

Amid growing environmental concerns and the imperative for sustainable agricultural practices, this study examines the potential of nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria as biofertilizers, particularly in cotton cultivation. The reliance on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers (SNFs), prevalent in modern agriculture, poses significant environmental challenges, including greenhouse gas emissions and water system contamination. This research aims to shift this paradigm by exploring the capacity of cyanobacteria as a natural and sustainable alternative. Utilizing advanced metabarcoding methods to analyze the 16S rRNA gene, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of soil bacterial communities within cotton fields. This study focused on evaluating the diversity, structure, taxonomic composition, and potential functional characteristics of these communities. Emphasis was placed on the isolation of native N2-fixing cyanobacteria strains rom cotton soils, and their subsequent effects on cotton growth. Results from our study demonstrate significant plant growth-promoting (PGP) activities, measured as N2 fixation, production of Phytohormones, Fe solubilization and biofertilization potential of five isolated cyanobacterial strains, underscoring their efficacy in cotton. These findings suggest a viable pathway for replacing chemical-synthetic nitrogen fertilizers with natural, organic alternatives. The reintegration of these beneficial species into agricultural ecosystems can enhance crop growth while fostering a balanced microbial environment, thus contributing to the broader goals of global sustainable agriculture.

Valorization of treated swine wastewater and generated biomass by microalgae: Their effects and salt tolerance mechanisms on wheat seedling growth.

The extensive use of mineral fertilizers has a negative impact on the environment, whereas wastewater and microalgal biomass can provide crops with nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and have the potential to be used as a source of fertilizers in circular agriculture. In this study, a step-by-step resource utilization study of algae-containing wastewater generated from microalgae treatment of swine wastewater was carried out. When wheat seedlings were cultivated in the effluent after microalgae separation, the root fresh weight, seedling fresh weight, and total seedling length were increased by 3.44%, 14.45%, and 13.64%, respectively, compared with that of the algae-containing wastewater, and there was no significant difference in seedling fresh weight, total seedling length, maximum quantum yields of PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fm), and performance index (PIABS) from that of the Hogland solution group, which has the potential to be an alternative liquid fertilizer. Under salt stress, microalgae extract increased the contents of GA3, IAA, ABA, and SA in wheat seedlings, antioxidant enzymes maintained high activity, and the PIABS value increased. Low-dose microalgae extract (1 mL/L) increased the root fresh weight, seedling fresh weight, longest seedling length, and total seedling length by 30.73%, 31.28%, 16.43%, and 28.85%, respectively. Algae extract can act as a plant biostimulant to regulate phytohormone levels to attenuate the damage of salt stress and promote growth.

Molecular insights into the mutualism that induces iron deficiency tolerance in sorghum inoculated with Trichoderma harzianum.

Iron (Fe) deficiency is a common mineral stress in plants, including sorghum. Although the soil fungus Trichoderma harzianum has been shown to mitigate Fe deficiency in some circumstances, neither the range nor mechanism(s) of this process are well understood. In this study, high pH-induced Fe deficiency in sorghum cultivated in pots with natural field soil exhibited a significant decrease in biomass, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, water use efficiency, and Fe-uptake in both the root and shoot. However, the establishment of T. harzianum colonization in roots of Fe-deprived sorghum showed significant improvements in morpho-physiological traits, Fe levels, and redox status. Molecular detection of the fungal ThAOX1 (L-aminoacid oxidase) gene showed the highest colonization of T. harzianum in the root tips of Fe-deficient sorghum, a location thus targeted for further analysis. Expression studies by RNA-seq and qPCR in sorghum root tips revealed a significant upregulation of several genes associated with Fe uptake (SbTOM2), auxin synthesis (SbSAURX15), nicotianamine synthase 3 (SbNAS3), and a phytosiderophore transporter (SbYS1). Also induced was the siderophore synthesis gene (ThSIT1) in T. harzianum, a result supported by biochemical evidence for elevated siderophore and IAA (indole acetic acid) levels in roots. Given the high affinity of fungal siderophore to chelate insoluble Fe3+ ions, it is likely that elevated siderophore released by T. harzianum led to Fe(III)-siderophore complexes in the rhizosphere that were then transported into roots by the induced SbYS1 (yellow-stripe 1) transporter. In addition, the observed induction of several plant peroxidase genes and ABA (abscisic acid) under Fe deficiency after inoculation with T. harzianum may have helped induce tolerance to Fe-deficiency-induced oxidative stress and adaptive responses. This is the first mechanistic explanation for T. harzianum's role in helping alleviate Fe deficiency in sorghum and suggests that biofertilizers using T. harzianum will improve Fe availability to crops in high pH environments.

Recent advances in Bacillus-mediated plant growth enhancement: a paradigm shift in redefining crop resilience.

The Bacillus genus has emerged as an important player in modern agriculture, revolutionizing plant growth promotion through recent advances. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the critical role Bacillus species play in boosting plant growth and agricultural sustainability. Bacillus genus bacteria benefit plants in a variety of ways, according to new research. Nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, siderophore production, and the production of growth hormones are examples of these. Bacillus species are also well-known for their ability to act as biocontrol agents, reducing phytopathogens and protecting plants from disease. Molecular biology advances have increased our understanding of the complex interplay between Bacillus species and plants, shedding light on the genetic and metabolic underpinnings of these interactions. Furthermore, novel biotechnology techniques have enabled the development of Bacillus-based biofertilizers and biopesticides, providing sustainable alternatives to conventional chemical inputs. Apart from this, the combination of biochar and Bacillus species in current biotechnology is critical for improving soil fertility and encouraging sustainable agriculture through enhanced nutrient retention and plant growth. This review also emphasizes the Bacillus genus bacteria's ability to alleviate environmental abiotic stresses such as drought and salinity, hence contributing to climate-resilient agriculture. Moreover, the authors discuss the challenges and prospects associated with the practical application of Bacillus-based solutions in the field. Finally, recent advances in Bacillus-mediated plant growth promotion highlight their critical significance in sustainable agriculture. Understanding these improvements is critical for realizing the full potential of Bacillus genus microorganisms to address current global food production concerns.

A scientific version of understanding "Why did the chickens cross the road"? - A guided journey through Bacillus spp. towards sustainable agriculture, circular economy and biofortification.

The world, a famished planet with an overgrowing population, requires enormous food crops. This scenario compelled the farmers to use a high quantity of synthetic fertilizers for high food crop productivity. However, prolonged usage of chemical fertilizers results in severe adverse effects on soil and water quality. On the other hand, the growing population significantly consumes large quantities of poultry meats. Eventually, this produces a mammoth amount of poultry waste, chicken feathers. Owing to the protein value of the chicken feathers, these wastes are converted into protein hydrolysate and further extend their application as biostimulants for sustained agriculture. The protein profile of chicken feather protein hydrolysate (CFPH) produced through Bacillus spp. was the maximum compared to physical and chemical protein extraction methods. Several studies proved that the application of CFPH and active Bacillus spp. culture to soil and plants results in enhanced plant growth, phytochemical constituents, crop yield, soil nutrients, fertility, microbiome and resistance against diverse abiotic and biotic stresses. Overall, "CFPH - Jack of all trades" and "Bacillus spp. - an active camouflage to the surroundings where they applied showed profound and significant benefits to the plant growth under the most adverse conditions. In addition, Bacillus spp. coheres the biofortification process in plants through the breakdown of metals into metal ions that eventually increase the nutrient value of the food crops. However, detailed information on them is missing. This can be overcome by further real-world studies on rhizoengineering through a multi-omics approach and their interaction with plants. This review has explored the best possible and efficient strategy for managing chicken feather wastes into protein-rich CFPH through Bacillus spp. bioconversion and utilizing the CFPH and Bacillus spp. as biostimulants, biofertilizers, biopesticides and biofortificants. This paper is an excellent report on organic waste management, circular economy and sustainable agriculture research frontier.

Ecotoxicological assessment of waste-derived organic fertilizers and long-term monitoring of fertilized soils using a multi-matrix and multi-species approach.

The present study investigates the ecotoxicity of 7 biofertilizers, including biowaste-derived organic matrices. Real-field tests were conducted to assess the impacts of soil fertilization with sewage sludge digestate from high-solid thermophilic anaerobic digestion (HSTAD) compared to those obtained on non-amended and urea-fertilized soils. The physical-chemical and ecotoxic impact of HSTAD digestate on soil was monitored for 12 months, at 5 time points and 2 soil depths, on a maize field divided in 3 portions (non-treated, fertilized with urea, amended with digestate). The chemical and physical characteristics of the soil were previously analyzed for 3 years to provide a long-term outlook of the impacts of biofertilizer application. Seven bioindicators were utilized for direct (on whole soil) and indirect (on soil elutriates) ecotoxicological tests on fertilizers and amended soils, including plant seeds (Lepidium sativum, Sorghum saccharatum, and Sinapsis alba), the aquatic organism Daphnia magna, the alga Raphidocelis subcapitata, the luminescent bacterium Aliivibrio fischeri, and the Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. No serious negative effects on soil fertilized with HSTAD digestate were evidenced. Conversely, bioassays rather showed positive effects, encouraging the utilization of HSTAD digestate in agriculture, considering the proper concentrations of use. The obtained data were interpolated and a test battery integrated index was generated, confirming the absence of ecotoxicological risk for the soils amended with the applied fertilizers. The long-term evolution of the physical-chemical soil characteristics (including the concentrations of potential contaminants) was similar for both HSTAD digestate and urea application as well as for non-fertilized soil, indicating no negative effects due to digestate application on land. On the contrary, digestate application improved the content of stabilized organic matter and nutrients in soil. This study proposes a more correct approach to ecotoxicity assessment of fertilized soils for biofertilizer evaluation and demonstrates the long-term safe application of HSTAD digestate on agricultural soil.

Plant Growth-Promoting Soil Bacteria: Nitrogen Fixation, Phosphate Solubilization, Siderophore Production, and Other Biological Activities.

This review covers the literature data on plant growth-promoting bacteria in soil, which can fix atmospheric nitrogen, solubilize phosphates, produce and secrete siderophores, and may exhibit several different behaviors simultaneously. We discuss perspectives for creating bacterial consortia and introducing them into the soil to increase crop productivity in agrosystems. The application of rhizosphere bacteria-which are capable of fixing nitrogen, solubilizing organic and inorganic phosphates, and secreting siderophores, as well as their consortia-has been demonstrated to meet the objectives of sustainable agriculture, such as increasing soil fertility and crop yields. The combining of plant growth-promoting bacteria with mineral fertilizers is a crucial trend that allows for a reduction in fertilizer use and is beneficial for crop production.

Unlocking the Potential of Nano-Enabled Precision Agriculture for Efficient and Sustainable Farming.

Nanotechnology has attracted remarkable attention due to its unique features and potential uses in multiple domains. Nanotechnology is a novel strategy to boost production from agriculture along with superior efficiency, ecological security, biological safety, and monetary security. Modern farming processes increasingly rely on environmentally sustainable techniques, providing substitutes for conventional fertilizers and pesticides. The drawbacks inherent in traditional agriculture can be addressed with the implementation of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology can uplift the global economy, so it becomes essential to explore the application of nanoparticles in agriculture. In-depth descriptions of the microbial synthesis of nanoparticles, the site and mode of action of nanoparticles in living cells and plants, the synthesis of nano-fertilizers and their effects on nutrient enhancement, the alleviation of abiotic stresses and plant diseases, and the interplay of nanoparticles with the metabolic processes of both plants and microbes are featured in this review. The antimicrobial activity, ROS-induced toxicity to cells, genetic damage, and growth promotion of plants are among the most often described mechanisms of operation of nanoparticles. The size, shape, and dosage of nanoparticles determine their ability to respond. Nevertheless, the mode of action of nano-enabled agri-chemicals has not been fully elucidated. The information provided in our review paper serves as an essential viewpoint when assessing the constraints and potential applications of employing nanomaterials in place of traditional fertilizers.

Metagenome-assembled genomes from sugarcane mill mud.

The genomes of 11 bacteria and 3 archaea were assembled from metagenomic DNA extracted from sugarcane mill mud. These metagenome-assembled genomes ranged from 1.79 to 6.45 Mb, with 2,263 to 5,551 predicted proteins, 80.65% to 100% genome completeness, and 43.19% to 68.02% G+C content.

Mitigating climate change and pandemic impacts on global food security: dual sustainable agriculture approach (2S approach).

MAIN CONCLUSION: Simultaneous application of two sustainability approaches such as the application of biofertilizers to GM plants and microbe bioengineering to enhance physiological response and beneficial interaction with GM plants may have a significant impact on strengthening global food security amid climate change and the pandemic. The second sustainable development goal (SDG 02, Zero Hunger) aims global agricultural sustainability and food security challenges. The agriculture sector has been an integral part of developing countries for millions of farmers and their families. Their contribution provides stability of raw matter related to food availability. But climate change, higher population growth and worldwide pandemics are the main obstacles to food quality, higher crop productivity and global food security. Scientists are concerned with the manifestation of agriculture sustainability in the modern crop management approach to resolving the issues. It is the only way to higher yield productivity by protecting the environment, conserving natural resources, and slowing climate change. Several strategies can be an option to implement, yet the proposed two sustainability approach or 2S approach will be the significant way toward the goal of zero hunger. The first sustainability approach is an application of genetically modified (S1: GMO) Plants and the other is an application of beneficiary plant growth-promoting microbes (S2: Biofertilizers) to the plants for both higher crops and maintenance of the environment. This study summarizes the essential points of S1 and S2 for the widespread utilization of the 2S approach in agriculture and recommends the potential alternatives to be implemented to produce food for all. Simultaneous application of the 2S approach can defeat all threats to gain sustainability in agriculture.

Exploring through the use of physiological and isotopic techniques the potential of a PGPR-based biofertilizer to improve nitrogen fertilization practices efficiency in strawberry cultivation.

The use of microorganisms as a biofertilizer in strawberry has focused mainly on pathogen biocontrol, which has led to the underestimation of the potential of microorganisms for the improvement of nutritional efficiency in this crop. A study was established to investigate the impact of a plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) based biofertilizer integrated by self-compatible stress tolerant strains with multiple PGP properties, including atmospheric nitrogen fixation, on strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa cv. Rociera) tolerance to N deficiency in terms of growth and physiological performance. After 40 days of nitrogen fertilization shortage, inoculated plants were able to maintain root development and fertility structures (i.e. fruits and flowers) at a level similar to plants properly fertilized. In addition, inoculation lessened the negative impact of nitrogen deficiency on leaves' dry weight and relative water content. This effect was mediated by a higher root/shoot ratio, which would have allowed them to explore larger volumes of soil for the acquisition of water. Moreover, inoculation was able to buffer up to 50% of the reduction in carbon assimilation capacity, due to its positive effect on the diffusion efficiency of CO2 and the biochemical capacity of photosynthesis, as well as on the activity of photosystem II light harvesting. Furthermore, the higher leaf C/N ratio and the maintained δ15N values close to control plants were related to positive bacterial effects at the level of the plant nutritional balance. Despite these positive effects, the application of the bacterial inoculum was unable to completely counteract the restriction of fertilization, being necessary to apply a certain amount of synthetic fertilizer for the strawberry nutrition. However, according to our results, the complementary effect of this PGPR-based biofertilizer could provide a higher efficiency in environmental and economic yields on this crop.