Mixed strain validation reveals dual pathways of heterotrophic ammonia-oxidizers in maize post-drought recovery

Context Water scarcity poses a significant threat to global food security. Enhancing the compensatory growth capacity of crops following post-drought rewatering is therefore a key strategy for water-efficient agriculture. Aims This study investigates the dual regulatory pathways by which heterotrophic ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (HAOB) influence maize compensatory growth after drought stress. Methods Three functionally distinct bacterial strains were selected for co-inoculation experiments: Y2, S