Simulation Study on the Effect of Iron Nanoparticles on Rhizospheric and Rhizoplane Microbes of Paddy ( Oryza sativa ) Plant

Rhizospheric microbes play a crucial role in plant growth promotion. Due to advancements in technology, many nano fertilizers are now applied in the agricultural field. However, its effect on the microbial community is less explored. The present study examines the impact of iron (Fe) nanoparticles (INPs) on paddy rhizospheric (RS) and rhizoplanar (RP) microbes. The effect of different concentrations of INPs iron nanoparticles on the growth of rhizospheric and rhizoplanar microbes was observed by the plate count method. The results showed that bacterial and fungal counts were higher in control than all treatments on 15, 30, and 45 days after sowing seeding (DAS). Nitrogen-fixing bacteria were higher in control on 15 and 30 DAS; however, on 45 DAS, higher nitrogen-fixing bacteria were reported in T4. Phosphate solubilizing microbes were higher in all the treatments compared to the control. Siderophore-producing microbes were higher in control on 15 DAS compared to other treatments. However, after 30 and 45 DAS siderophore-producing microbes were higher in T4 than in control and other treatments. Thus, the results suggest that treatment − 4 (T4) (Seed + Soil +2 g/kg soil) was the best treatment and can be used for plant growth promotion of rice.