CO-INOCULATION IN SOYBEAN (GLYCINE MAX L.) CROPS

Abstract

The objective of this study was to systematize scientific evidence regarding the agronomic, productive, and environmental impacts of soybean (Glycine max L.) co-inoculation with Bradyrhizobium and Azospirillum brasilense (2015–2025). This integrative literature review followed six methodological steps, searching CAPES, SciELO, Google Scholar, Redalyc, and BDTD databases. Results indicated that phytohormone release by A. brasilense stimulates root growth and root hair proliferation, accelerating Bradyrhizobium infection and mitigating early nitrogen starvation (N-hunger). A nodulation increase exceeding 30% and yield gains between 8.1% and 16.1% (4.7 to 7.1 bags/ha) were observed, along with enhanced tolerance to moderate drought. Economically and environmentally, the technology generates an additional net gain of R$ 510.78 to R$ 572.56/ha, eliminates synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, and reduces nitrous oxide emissions, aligning with the ABC+ Plan and the Bioinputs Program. It is concluded that co-inoculation is a profitable, sustainable biotechnology whose maximum efficiency requires strict adherence to Good Inoculation Practices.