Assessment of rhizobacteria-derived biofertilizers associated with Celosia argentea L. under sodic‑salinized soil conditions

This study evaluated the phytoassessment potential of biofertilizers produced from rhizobacteria associated with Celosia argentea L. cultivated in sodic–salinized soil. Soil samples were collected from the Botanic Garden of the Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Benin, and analyzed for physicochemical properties prior to use. Microbial inoculants were incorporated into various organic substrates to enhance microbial diversity and biofertilizer efficacy. A potted field experiment was conducted using 44 soil-filled bowls assigned to 7 treatment groups, with 2 bowls serving as untreated controls. The treatment groups received biofertilizers formulated from pap waste, rice hulls, groundnut husk, plantain peel, banana peel, sorghum chaff, and charcoal, respectively. Seeds of C. argentea (0.5 g per plot) were sown, and growth parameters were assessed during weeks 6 and 7. Biofertilizer application significantly improved plant growth and rhizobacterial activity compared to the control. Plant height ranged from 15.1–35.2 cm, number of leaves from 8.7–23.1, leaf area from 2.10–15.18 cm², root length from 6.5–12.0 cm, and rhizobacterial counts from to CFU/g. These findings demonstrate that biofertilizers enhance plant performance under saline conditions and support the role of beneficial rhizobacteria in improving salinity tolerance in vegetable crops. The study underscores the importance of further research into biofertilizer–plant–microbe interactions to advance sustainable agricultural practices in salt-affected soils.