Possibility of using Bacillus and Trichoderma strains for decomposition of crop residues

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the possibility of using microbial strains as residue decomposers and to determine the effect of these strains on chemical and microbial properties in the residue-amended soil. Greenhouse experiment consisted of eight Bacillus treatments, three Trichoderma treatments, and their combination, all applied to non-sterile chernozem soil amended with wheat straw. Incorporation of wheat straw improved soil chemical and microbial properties, while the extent of residue decom­position under microbial strains was intensified. Microbial treatments significantly affected the soil pH, the content of carbonate, total carbon, soil organic carbon, humus, and available phosphorus and potassium. Bacterial and fungal treatments also significantly influenced the total microbial number, ammonifiers, N2-fixers, fungi, actinomycetes, oligotrophs, copiotrophs, and cellulolytic microorganisms. The effect of microbial treatments varied depending on the applied strains and examined properties, with Bacillus strains being more promising residue decomposers compared to Trichoderma strains. The most effective microbial strains could be used as potential decomposers of crop residues. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. TR31072]