Biofertilizers Improve the Plant Growth, Yield, and Mineral Concentration of Lettuce and Broccoli

Abstract

Biofertilizers and organic fertilizers are eco-friendly treatments that reduce the consumption and problems associated with chemical fertilizers. The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of biofertilizers and organic fertilizers on reducing consumption and improving the effectiveness of chemical fertilizer treatments by comparing the growth parameters, yield, quality criteria, and nutrient concentration in lettuce and broccoli grown under greenhouse conditions. The biofertilizer (BM-MegaFlu®) comprised Bacillus megaterium, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Pantoea agglomerans bacteria. The experiment consisted of six treatments comprising (1) biofertilizer (BF), (2) chemical fertilizer + biofertilizer (CF + BF), (3) chemical fertilizer (CF), (4) CF (1/2 dose) + BF, (5) CF (1/3 dose) + BF, and (6) organic fertilizer (OF + BF). BF did not adversely affect the head height and root collar diameter of lettuce; on the contrary, it showed non-significant differences with CF + BF, BF, CF (1/2) + BF, and CF (1/3) + BF treatments and CF alone. The highest total and marketable yields were obtained from CF + BF, CF, CF (1/2) + BF treatments in lettuce. The total yield was the highest in the CF + BF, CF, CF (1/2) + BF, and CF (1/3) + BF treatments in broccoli. In conclusion, the biofertilizer had a supportive effect on the use of chemical fertilizers in lettuce and broccoli production, especially the CF (1/2) + BF treatment in lettuce. The CF (1/2) + BF and CF (1/3) + BF treatments in broccoli showed similar yields to CF. In both crops, BF could provide 50% chemical fertilizer savings.