Interactive Effect of Silicate Solubilizing Bacterium Pseudomonas baetica and Fly Ash Application on Wheat Crop

Fly ash, a byproduct of thermal power plants, is a rich source of essential nutrients, including silicon, which plays a key role in plant growth, stress tolerance, and overall physiology. Silicon is typically found in fly ash in the form of water-insoluble silicates, which can be made bioavailable to plants through the action of silicate-solubilizing bacteria. This study investigates the synergistic effects of silicate-solubilizing bacterial inoculation and fly ash amendment on wheat (Triticum aestivum) growth under controlled pot-house conditions. The results demonstrate that soil amendment with up to 3% fly ash, in conjunction with bacterial inoculation, supported the survival of the bacteria and significantly enhanced wheat growth and yield. These findings suggest that the combination of fly ash and silicatesolubilizing bacteria could offer a sustainable approach to improving crop productivity.