Sayali Daptardar, Ishita S. Shinde, and Bhargavi M. Patil
Abstract
Hydroponics provides an efficient alternative to soil-based cultivation by conserving water, minimizing soil-borne diseases, and addressing land constraints. Coco peat serves as an effective growth medium due to its favorable aeration and moisture retention properties, while plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) such as Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) and Azotobacter are known to enhance nutrient availability through biological mechanisms. The present study investigates the influence of coco peat enriched with PGPB on early-stage plant growth under hydroponic conditions. PSB and Azotobacter were applied individually and as a consortium using seed coat and spray methods to evaluate their effects during the initial stages of plant development. PSB facilitates the solubilization of inorganic phosphates, whereas Azotobacter contributes to nitrogen fixation, potentially supporting early seedling establishment. The experiment was conducted in a controlled hydroponic setup over a short duration, and growth-related physical parameters indicative of early plant response were monitored. The results revealed that the consortium treatment exhibited enhanced early-stage growth parameters compared to individual applications across both treatment methods. The observed improvement in seedling performance suggests an interaction between PSB and Azotobacter during the initial growth phase. As this study represents a preliminary, short-term assessment, conclusions regarding long-term plant performance, crop yield, or reduction in chemical fertilizer dependency would require further experimentation and confirmation of results. However, the findings provide foundational insights into microbial-assisted early growth responses in hydroponic systems and highlight the need for extended-duration and field-scale studies to evaluate long-term agronomic implications.