Volcanic Rock and Bacteria Boost Wheat Yields by 20 Percent

A new study suggests that a simple volcanic rock, when combined with beneficial bacteria, could revolutionize wheat farming by boosting yields while reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers. Researchers found that wheat plants treated with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) delivered through porous volcanic tuff produced 20.43 percent more grain than untreated controls. The two-year greenhouse study, published in Plant Biosystems, highlights how this approach enhances photosynthesis, antioxidant defenses, hormone balance, and nutrient uptake in wheat.

The study focused on the ‘Kırik’ wheat cultivar, using tuff as a carrier material to inoculate the plants with PGPR. Tuff’s porous structure provides a protective habitat for microbial communities, improving moisture retention and nutrient availability. The treated plants showed significant improvements in chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, and photosynthetic rate, leading to healthier cellular membranes and higher grain yields.

Biochemical profiling revealed that antioxidant enzyme activities, such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase, increased by 11.43 percent, 14.83 percent, and 10.71 percent, respectively. Hormone levels also shifted favorably, with growth-promoting hormones like indole-3-acetic acid and gibberellic acid rising, while the stress hormone abscisic acid decreased. Nutrient analysis showed significant increases in phosphorus, copper, and iron, suggesting improved nutrient assimilation and metabolic activity.

The researchers emphasize that while the results are promising, further field studies are needed to confirm the practical applicability of this method. If successful, this approach could extend beyond wheat to other crops, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional fertilization and addressing the environmental costs associated with synthetic fertilizers.