Chilean and Guatemalan scientists discover that beneficial bacteria can reduce fertilizer use and increase tomato production

The demand for fresh vegetables all year round has driven the cultivation of tomatoes in greenhouses. However, this practice has increased the need for fertilizers, which are increasingly expensive and have negative effects on the environment. A new study, published in the scientific journal Frontiers in Plant Science, proposes a sustainable alternative: the use of beneficial bacteria to reduce the amount of fertilizer without decreasing crop yields. The researchers tested two bacteria, Bacillus safensis and Bacillus siamensis, which promote plant growth by improving their hydration and development. The study analyzed the effect of these bacteria on tomato crops with two levels of fertilization: one at 100% and another reduced to 66%. Conventional fertilization programs, with and without commercial biostimulants, were also included as a reference. The results were surprising. By combining 66% fertilization with these bacteria, the average weight of harvested tomatoes increased ...