Enhancement of Nitraria retusa Growth by Rhizospheric Microbial Inoculum

Abstract

Native desert vegetation in Kuwait has been severely depleted due to both natural and anthropogenic factors and are facing the danger of extinction. Symbiotic rhizospheric microflora influences the growth of plant communities in different ecosystems. The objective of this study is to emphasize the enhancing effect of rhizospheric microbial inoculum on the growth of native desert plants. A shed house experiment was conducted using Nitraria retusa which was selected on the basis of its importance and potential for the revegetation of desert flora. The plant was propagated in three different soil treatments: soil with added rhizospheric inoculum (SI), soil with added amendment (SP) and soil with added rhizospheric inoculum and amendment (SIP). The growth performance of N. retusa in terms of shoot height and number of leaves was monitored on a monthly basis during 120 d experimental duration and compared with control soil treatment (SC) which was soil without any additions. The results clearly demonstrated the enhancing effect of rhizospheric microbial inoculum when combined with fertilizers in soil amended treatment (SIP) on the growth of N. retusa. Additionally, N. retusa in the inoculated treatment (SI) maintained a high survival rate during the experiment compared to other treatments.