Inoculated pellets with Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas fluorescens for growth promotion in maize

Abstract The adoption of bioinputs represents a sustainable strategy to enhance maize ( Zea mays L.) productivity while addressing economic, social, and environmental aspects. Biofertilizers can reduce the environmental impacts associated with mineral fertilization. This study evaluated the efficiency of pellets inoculated with Bacillus subtilis (Bs) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (Pf) for maize growth and bacterial survival under different inoculation methods over time. Two experiments were conducted. In the laboratory, pellets were produced from poultry litter, rice husk ( Oryza sativa L.), and hairy vetch ( Vicia villosa Roth), and bacterial survival was assessed using three methods: (i) inoculation into the biomass before pelletization, (ii) application via the seed‐inoculating machine “Inocula Bag,” and (iii) a combination of both. In the field, growth and productivity parameters were evaluated, including root length, area, volume, diameter, and dry mass; shoot length and dry mass; stem diameter; soil coverage; and grain yield. The highest bacterial survival was achieved with the Inocula Bag, especially when combined with biomass inoculation, with viability maintained for up to 70 days. Pellets with Bs and aerial‐applied plant growth‐promoting bacteria (PGPB) improved root parameters in 2023/2024, while in 2024/2025, both Pf and Bs pellets produced similar results. Stem diameter and soil coverage increased in all pellet and nitrogen treatments, with grain yield significantly higher than the control. In conclusion, PGPB‐inoculated pellets are effective, sustainable, and a viable alternative to mineral fertilization for promoting maize growth and productivity, though small‐scale application did not yield immediate economic returns.