| This experiment used corn variety XY335 and bacterial strains NECC11322 (Bacillus subtilis) and NECC11324 (B. megaterium). Four treatments were established: Con (sterile water soaking, drought stress), C1 (sterile water soaking, normal watering), C2 (NECC11322 bacterial liquid soaking, drought stress), and C3 (NECC11324 bacterial liquid soaking, drought stress). The growth status, resistance physiological indicators, and N, P, and K content of potted maize seedlings after soaking were measured. The results showed that under drought stress, the activities of SOD, POD, CAT, and APX in the leaves and roots of maize seedlings increased to varying degrees compared to Con after inoculation with NECC11322 and NECC11324. Among them, the POD activity in the roots of maize seedlings increased most significantly after inoculation with NECC11322, with an increase of 67.78% compared to Con. The content of soluble protein and soluble sugar in plant leaves and roots showed an increasing trend compared to Con, with the soluble sugar content in leaves inoculated with NECC11322 showing the most significant increase, increasing by 152.10% compared to Con. Compared with Con, the total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and total potassium nutrient content in plant leaves and roots were all increased. After inoculation with NECC11322, the total nitrogen content in leaves increased most significantly, with an increase of 88.47% compared to Con. Under drought stress, after inoculation with two types of Bacillus, the content of malondialdehyde in plant leaves and roots significantly decreased compared to Con. After inoculation with NECC11322, the root system showed the most significant decrease, which was 51.03% lower than Con. In summary, inoculating two types of Bacillus subtilis under drought stress reduced the inhibition of drought stress on the growth of maize seedlings, with NECC11322 strain being more drought resistant. By increasing the activity of protective enzymes, soluble protein, soluble sugar content, chlorophyll content, and plant nutrient content, the drought resistance of maize seedlings were improved, promoting their growth. |