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Syromiatnykov

Genotypic variation among soybean cultivars also inputs leads to improved nodulation, nitrogen fixation
plays a critical role in determining inoculation success efficiency, nutrient uptake, and yield performance under
and nitrogen fixation outcomes. 10,12,55,74 Moreover, diverse environmental conditions.
recent studies have highlighted that dual or multi-strain Despite existing challenges, such as strain-
inoculation—e.g., with Az and Bradyrhizobium—can specific effectiveness, product variability, and the
further boost plant resilience and yield under abiotic need for precision application, the growing body of
stress. 33-36,45,46,66 For instance, a study by Chibeba scientific evidence supports their synergistic benefits.
et al. indicated that co-inoculated soybeans exhibited Moving forward, targeted formulation development,
30
significantly earlier nodulation, which translated into cultivar-specific compatibility testing, and field-level
higher final yields under field conditions. optimization will be critical for widespread adoption.
However, some challenges persist. There is This integrated approach not only aligns with the
considerable variability in the performance of principles of circular bioeconomy and regenerative
commercial humic products due to differences in source agriculture but also offers practical solutions to reduce
material, processing methods, and active ingredient chemical inputs and mitigate environmental impact in
concentrations. 31,61,62,85 In addition, factors such as soil legume-based cropping systems.
pH, moisture availability, and the presence of native
microbial competitors can limit the establishment and Acknowledgments
effectiveness of introduced rhizobia. 21,24,26
Despite these constraints, the ecological and agronomic The author is grateful to the Latvia University of Life
benefits of integrating microbial inoculants with humic Sciences and Technologies for providing institutional
products are increasingly recognized. Beyond nitrogen support during the preparation of this manuscript.
provision, such integrated biotechnologies support
reduced chemical fertilizer input, enhanced carbon Funding
sequestration, and resilience to climate stressors. 25,32,55,59
Figure 4 illustrates that integrated treatments led to a 22% This work was supported by the project “Strengthening
reduction in nitrate leaching and a 31% improvement in Institutional Capacity for Excellence in Studies and
soil aggregate stability. Research at the Latvia University of Life Sciences
To achieve consistent field-level success, further and Technologies” (Project No. 5.2.1.1.i.0/2/24/I/
work is warranted to standardize humic product CFLA/002), funded by the European Union through
quality, 31,59,86 develop precision delivery systems, 37,39 the NextGenerationEU program under the Recovery
and tailor inoculation strategies to specific cultivars and and Resilience Facility, within the framework of the
agroecological conditions. 73,74 Emerging omics-based National Development Plan of Latvia for 2021–2027,
tools and soil microbiome profiling also hold potential and administered by the Central Finance and Contracting
to refine microbial compatibility and functional Agency of Latvia.
predictions. 9,17,71
In summary, the combined application of nitrogen- Conflict of interest
fixing bacteria and humic substances represents a
scalable, cost-effective, and ecologically sound strategy The author declares no competing interests.
for soybean cultivation. This integrated approach aligns
with the broader goals of circular bioeconomy and Author contributions
regenerative agriculture, offering a sustainable pathway
toward enhanced crop performance and long-term soil This is a single-authored article.
fertility.
Availability of data
8. Conclusion
Not applicable.
The integration of nitrogen-fixing bacteria and humic
products derived from agricultural waste presents a Further disclosure
robust and sustainable strategy to improve soybean
productivity while enhancing soil fertility and ecological The conference in question is the 31 Annual
st
resilience. Co-application of these biotechnological International Scientific Conference “Research for Rural

Volume 22 Issue 6 (2025) 16 doi: 10.36922/AJWEP025230190