The current study aimed at developing and examining biofilmed biofertilizers (BFBFs) as an ameliorator for potato cultivation by enhancing soil-plant interaction. Fungal-bacterial biofilms, the main ingredient of the BFBFs were developed using soil microorganisms and were screened for their efficacy. The best BFBF coupled with chemical fertilizers were evaluated for potato yield response and soil amelioration by two field experiments. The 50CB treatment significantly increased tuber yield at both fields in both seasons compared to the full recommended CF (100C). Significant improvements in soil chemical properties; soil pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), available phosphorus (available P) and available calcium (Ca2+) showed by 50CB in comparison with 100C. However, 50CB did not show any significant difference in available nitrogen (available N) and available potassium (K+) in comparison with 100C. Further, internal biochemical properties of the potato plant, e.g., chlorophyll content, stem sucrose content and tuber starch content were significantly improved by the 50CB. In addition, significant correlations were observed among soil pH, Ca2+, tuber starch and chlorophyll contents in the 50CB. Thus, it can be concluded that the enhanced soil chemical properties in the rhizosphere from BFBF induced signals improved plant internal biochemical processes, thus leading to the increased potato yield.

Keywords: Soil nutrients, Rhizosphere, Signaling molecules, Soil microbes