Brazilian researchers have discovered a promising way to enhance soybean production sustainably by combining two types of beneficial bacteria. The study, published in Microbiology Ecology and supported by FAPESP, shows that this approach not only increases crop yields but also reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, potentially saving farmers billions annually.
Soybean growers in Brazil, the world’s top producer of the crop, already rely on bacteria like Bradyrhizobium spp. to fix nitrogen naturally, reducing fertilizer costs by an estimated USD 15 billion per year. In this new study, scientists paired Bradyrhizobium with a novel bacterial isolate, Bacillus thuringiensis RZ2MS9, originally found in Amazonian guarana plants. The combination boosted plant growth and pod production without disrupting the soil’s native microbial communities.
Leandro Fonseca de Souza, a biologist at ESALQ-USP and study co-author, noted that the bacteria also improved phosphorus assimilation—another key nutrient typically added via fertilizers. The strain’s ability to produce siderophores, plant hormones, and solubilize phosphate further highlights its potential as a sustainable farming tool.
“This strategy could transform how we manage soil nutrients, making soybean farming more efficient and eco-friendly,” said Souza.
The findings pave the way for greener agricultural practices by optimizing bio-inputs. Future research will explore large-scale applications, building on Brazil’s leadership in sustainable soybean production.
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