Production and optimization of Jeevamrutha bio-fertilizer formulations for soil fertility and its role in waste minimization

Udaratta Bhattacharjee,Ramagopal V.S Uppaluri

doi:10.1016/j.scca.2023.100025

Udaratta Bhattacharjee, Ramagopal V.S Uppaluri

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scca.2023.100025

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Abstract

Intense inorganic fertilization practices exponentially detriment upon the soil health and enhance input costs of production. Henceforth, organic bio-fertilizers such as Jeevamrutha being developed with rurally available low cost nitrogen and carbon sources are necessary to serve as alternate fertilization systems for soil nutritional enrichment and plant growth. Associated mechanism with respect to the interaction of precursors such as jaggery and gram flour in Jeevamrutha bio-fertilizer have not been vividly explored in the prior art. Considering this lacunae, the article addresses the optimization of these precursors for the affirming of their fundamental role in the nutrient characteristics of the Jeevamrutha bio-fertilizer. Thereby, the article targets the optimization of Jeevamrutha bio-fertilizer formulations using the Central Composite Design (CCD)-based statistical tool for summer and winter seasons. The corresponding Total Kjehdahl Nitrogen (TKN), Ammonium Nitrogen (AN) and Phosphate (P) during the summer (0.67%, 427.56 mgL−1 and 1405.78 mgL−1) and the winter (0.28%, 135.86 mgL−1 and 1046.75 mgL−1) seasons were achieved in North-East India. This study provides critical insights for waste-to-value added product development through the utilization of rurally available substrates for nutrient enhancement of soil that will aid waste management approach. Also, in comparison with the control group (0%) and various treated samples for the optimized formulation (25%, 50%, 75% and 100% v/v), the highest Germination Index (GI) of 87.87% was obtained for the 50% (v/v) treated sample (mung bean) indicating its efficacy towards phytotoxic effects. Thereby, the methodology and results aim to revolutionize agricultural systems and improve soil health due to reduced cost and preparation time and wider utility of land and waste precursors in comparison to other organic fertilizer preparation techniques.

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