Compost effect on plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and mycorrhizal fungi population in maize cultivations

The composting process allows the conversion of organic waste into organic matter that can be used in counteracting organic matter soil depletion Moreover, agricultural use of compost increases plants defense abilities against pathogens, leading to a higher crop yield Key plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and arbuscular mycorrhial fungi (AMF) populations were evaluated after incorporating high quality composts in both conventional and organic maize production in order to determine if compost application affects the presence of important PGPR and AMF Results obtained indicate that while the use of the compost as an amendment may exert a limited influence on AMF population, it can significantly modulate the composition of PGPR in the rhizosphere of maize plants