The application of M. endolithica i

The application of M. endolithica in combination with either
SP or PRP resulted in a significant increase in certain plant
nutrient levels in the roots and shoots compared to those
grown in soil amended with SP or PRP and either not
inoculated or inoculated with M. olivasterospora. For example,
nitrogen uptake was favoured by 33% and 58% in the roots and
shoots, respectively, following the inoculation with M.
endolithica in SP-amended soil compared to soils with SP only.
It is unlikely that symbiotic nitrogen fixing bacteria were
responsible for the differences observed as Rhizobium was not
inoculated and in addition there was also no significant
differences between the numbers and weights of the nodules
between control and treated plants from resident Rhizobium
species (unpublished data). In general, the levels of nutrients
in both roots and shoots showed the same trend of responses
as overall plant growth promotion resulting from the same
treatments. Increases in the nutrient levels in treated plants
following the application of SP or RP in soils inoculated with
PSM (Datta et al., 1982; Piccini and Azcon, 1987; Kucey, 1988)
have previously been reported.