Potential impacts of genetic modification of Bt maize on soil amendment processes: Rhizobacteria diversity and plant health

Cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops might expose non-target beneficial soil microbes to certain risks relating to physiological and metabolic changes in GM plants. This may adversely affect soil ecosystem functions and agricultural production. This is of particular importance in soil amended processes that rely on beneficial microorganisms. Therefore the study aimed at investigating the potential impact of the genetic modification of Bt maize on the functionalities of biological fertilizers.