The disclosure relates to microorganisms of the
genus Paenibacillus, for the improvement of phenotypes of plants, for example
nitrogen availability for non-leguminous plants. Included are novel strains of the microorganisms, microbial consortia, and agricultural compositions comprising the same. Furthermore, the disclosure teaches methods of utilizing the described microorganisms, microbial consortia, and agricultural compositions comprising the same, in methods for imparting beneficial properties to target
plant species. In particular aspects, the disclosure provides methods of increasing desirable
plant traits in agronomically important species, for example
nitrogen fixation, utilization, regulation, uptake, acquisition, tolerance, and / or
processing in plants.