EFFECT OF PHOSPHATE SOLUBILIZING RHIZOBIUM AND NITROGEN FIXING BACTERIA ON GROWTH OF ALFALFA SEEDLINGS UNDER P AND N DEFICIENT CONDITIONS

Abstract

A sand culture experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of nitrogen-fixing and phosphate-solubilizing Klebsiella sp. RSN219 and Rhizobium meliloti LW135 on seedlings of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) on the condition of nitrogen free and tricalcium phosphate only. Surface sterilized Alfalfa seeds were sown in polyvinyl plastics pots filled with clear sand. Insoluble phosphate was applied as tricalcium phosphate before sowing. Alfalfa seeds were inoculated with Rhizobium LW135 or Klebsiella RSN219. Results showed that the seedling was significantly promoted when seeds were inoculating with RSN219 or LW135. All the growth attributes of seedlings were significantly better than CK1 (1/4th Modified Hoagland's nutrient solution was offered, nitrogen and phosphorus free) and CK2 (1/4th strength Hoagland's solution was offered). Inoculation with LW135 was found better in plant growth promoting capabilities than RSN 219. Both of the 2 strains have good growth promoting capability, and effective in reducing growth inhibition of alfalfa seedlings under condition of nitrogen- and phosphorus-deficient.