Co-Inoculation Between Bacteria and Algae from Biological Soil Crusts and Their Effects on the Growth of and Sandy Soils Quality.

Microorganisms (bacteria and algae) are important components of biological soil crusts, which exhibit crucial functions in promoting plant growth, maintaining soil structure, and improving soil nutrient content. To determine the effects of combined inoculation on the growth of and sandy soils, four species of bacteria and algae were isolated and identified from biological soil crusts (during different developmental stages in a karst rocky desertification area). The soil quality was evaluated based on a soil quality index (SQI), growth indicators of , soil physicochemical properties, and a stability analysis of aggregates. With the application of nutrient-poor sandy soils as the substrate, different treatment inoculation solutions were inoculated onto . The results revealed that bacteria-algal co-inoculation reduces soil acidity, enhances soil nutrient content and aggregate stability, improves soil quality, and protects plant growth. Notably, compared with the single application of bacterial solution and algal solution, the combined application of bacteria-algal solution significantly improves the sandy soil quality.