Combining intercropping and co-inoculation of AMF and PGPR mitigate salinity in barley and alfalfa by improving photosynthetic capacity, nutrient acquisition, and redox potential.

Salinity is harmful for crop development and productivity. The adoption of intercropping practice and microbial auxiliaries can combat the harmful actions of salt stress. The present study aimed to investigate the role of intercropping and co-application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) to protect barley and alfalfa against salt stress (120 mM NaCl). Results revealed that, under saline conditions, the applied intercropping system and AMF + PGPR co-inoculation enhanced shoot and root dry weight by 133% and 354% for barley and 410% and 471% for alfalfa, respectively, over their respective non-inoculated monocultures. Meanwhile, as compared to non-inoculated monocultures, the association of intercropping and AMF + PGPR co-application boosted antioxidant enzymes activity, namely superoxide dismutase and catalase, by 161% and 63% for barley and 316% and 113% for alfalfa, respectively. Additionally, the thousand-seed weight was increased by 77% in barley intercropped and inoculated with AMF + PGPR. This study highlights the potential of intercropping and AMF + PGPR as a promising solution to improve salt tolerance and crop productivity by increasing physiological capacity, boosting nutrient acquisition, and enhancing redox potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]