Microbial impact on growth and yield of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. and sandy soil fertility

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) plant is a valuable medicinal crop in arid and semi-arid regions. The use of microorganisms to enhance crop production is more favorable than chemical fertilizers attributable to food safety. A field experiment was implemented to inspect the impact of the bacterial mixture (Bacillus subtilis (BSR-8) and Pseudomonas flourescens (PSR-11)), Pleurotus ostreatus and mycorrhizeen® individually and /or in combination on the growth and yield of roselle plant and their impact on newly sandy soil. The tested bioagents significantly increased the growth and yield of roselle plant in comparable to the untreated plants. Also, inoculation increased soil dehydrogenase activity, root colonization and photosynthetic pigments. Significant enhancement in soil fertility properties was occurred, where the soil NPK availability improved. The NPK concentrations and uptake increased in calyx and shoot in response to bioagents. Soil organic matter content and soil aggregates increased while EC and pH decreased. Generally, the application of microbial mixtures modified physio-chemical soil properties and consequently reflected on roselle yield production.