Biofertilizer Technology Research Articles

The Influence of Microalgae Fertilizer on Soil Water Conservation and Soil Improvement: Yield and Quality of Potted Tomatoes

We aim to study the impact of microalgae fertilizer on soil nutrients, water conservation and crop yield and quality while also determining the optimal ratio of microalgae fertilizer to chemical fertilizer. Using “Xinoufen No.9” tomatoes as the test subject, we conducted pot experiments with four different treatments: control with 100% chemical fertilizer (CK), T1 (25% microalgae fertilizer + 75% regular chemical fertilizer), T2 (75% microalgae fertilizer + 25% regular chemical fertilizer) and T3 (100% microalgae fertilizer). The results show that an increased application of microalgae fertilizer enhanced the soil organic matter, ammonium nitrogen, available phosphorus and potassium content. T3 showed the most improvement followed by T2. The co-application of microalgae fertilizer with chemical fertilizer can significantly increase the stem girth, plant height and yield of tomatoes. At the same time, microalgae fertilizer effectively regulates leaf stomatal conductance, promoting tomato leaf respiration. As the stomatal conductance increases, the transpiration rate and net photosynthesis rate of all treatments improve, followed by a decline in intercellular CO2 concentration, with T2 exhibiting the best performance. Among all treatments, T2 treatment yielded the highest per-plant production (0.630 kg), followed by T3 (0.521 kg). This is because the microalgae fertilizer promotes the distribution of photosynthetic products to the fruit, enhancing the yield and quality of tomatoes. Additionally, the microalgae fertilizer also increases the content of soluble sugars, soluble protein, vitamin C and lycopene in the fruit while reducing the nitrate content. Compared to the control group CK, T2 increases the content of soluble sugars, vitamins and lycopene by 26.74%, 39.29% and 158.31%, respectively. Microalgae fertilizer also helps to improve soil water and thermal conditions, enhancing the water-use efficiency of tomatoes. Compared to CK, the water-use efficiency of T2 treatment increased by 54.05%. Correlation analysis indicates that water and fertilizer factors significantly affect tomato yield, with a correlation exceeding 70%. The net photosynthesis and transpiration rates significantly influence fruit quality, with correlations above 80%. By applying microalgae fertilizer, the efficiency of water and fertilizer use can be effectively improved, thus achieving the goal of water conservation and quality enhancement. Therefore, through comprehensive analysis, using the membership function method of indicators such as soil environment, crop yield, fruit quality and water-use efficiency, it is concluded that T2 is the optimal fertilization treatment. This study provides theoretical support for the application of microalgae biofertilizer technology in the cultivation of tomatoes and other vegetables in the northern, cold and arid regions.

Is coconut coir dust an efficient biofertilizer carrier for promoting coffee seedling growth and nutrient uptake?

As a method for sustainable agriculture, biofertilizers containing plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) have been recommended as an alternative to chemical fertilizers. However, the short shelf-life of inoculants remains a limiting factor in the development of biofertilizer technology. The present study aimed to (i) evaluate the effectiveness of four different carriers (perlite, vermiculite, diatomite and coconut coir dust) on the shelf-life of S2-4a1 and R2-3b1 isolates over 60 days after inoculation and (ii) evaluate isolated bacteria as growth-promoting agents for coffee seedlings. The rhizosphere soil-isolated S2-4a1 and plant-tissue-isolated R2-3b1 were chosen based on their P and K-solubilizing capacities and their ability to produce IAA. To evaluate the alternative carriers, two selected isolates were inoculated with the four different carriers and incubated at 25°C for 60 days. The bacterial survival, pH, and EC in each carrier were investigated. In addition, coconut coir dust inoculated with the selected isolates was applied to the soil in pots planted with coffee (Coffea arabica). At 90 days following application, variables such as biomass and total N, P, K, Ca, and Mg uptakes of coffee seedlings were examined. The results showed that after 60 days of inoculation at 25°C, the population of S2-4a1 and R2-3b1 in coconut coir dust carriers was 1.3 and 2.15 × 108 CFU g-1, respectively. However, there were no significant differences among carriers (P > 0.05). The results of the present study suggested that coconut coir dust can be used as an alternative carrier for S2-4a1 and R2-3b1 isolates. The significant differences in pH and EC were observed by different carriers (P < 0.01) after inoculation with both bacterial isolates. However, pH and EC declined significantly only with coconut coir dust during the incubation period. In addition, coconut coir dust-based bioformulations of both S2-4a1 and R2-3b1 enhanced plant growth and nutrient uptake (P, K, Ca, Mg), providing evidence that isolated bacteria possess additional growth-promoting properties.

The potency of soil bacteria on soil phosphorus solubilization and IAA production for innovation on sustainable Melon (Cucumis melo) production through biofilm biofertilizer

To fulfils the demand of melons (Cucumis melo), it requires intensive maintenance by agrochemical products. If this is done continuously, it will lead to soil degradation and disrupt the sustainable food supply. Therefore, an innovation is needed to maintain the sustainable food supply using biofilm biofertilizer technology. This study aims are to determine the potential of bacteria isolated from melon rhizosphere to solubilize phosphate and producing indole acetic acid (IAA) so that it can be developed into biofilm biofertilizer. Soil samples were taken from three melon gardens owned by farmers located in Sragen Regency, Karanganyar Regency and Wonogiri Regency, Central Java. In the laboratory, the soil bacteria then isolated from the soil using the dilution method. The isolates obtained then tested for their ability to solubilize phosphate and produce IAA. Phosphate is an essential nutrient for plant growth and IAA is plant growth promoting. The results showed that the highest phosphate solubilization potential was produced by bacterial isolate SRG 1A with a halo zone ratio of 1.957 and the highest concentration of IAA was produced by bacterial isolate WNG 1B with a value of 6.151 ppm. Based on the ability of the bacteria, indicates that the obtained bacterial isolates have the potential to be developed as a biofilm biofertilizer to help the growth of melon plants because it has the potency to solubilize soil nutrient and produce IAA.

Effects of Carrier Materials and Storage Temperatures on the Viability and Stability of Three Biofertilizer Inoculants Obtained from Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Rhizosphere

Biofertilizer technology continues to be derailed by the short shelf life of inoculants. The present study investigated the suitability of wheat-bran (WB), rice-husks (RH), farmyard-manure (FYM), bagasse (BG), and sawdust (SD) in the formulation of potato-derived Klebsiella grimontii (MPUS7), Serratia marcescens (NGAS9), and Citrobacter freundii (LUTT5) under refrigerated (8 °C) and room (25 ± 2 °C) storage. The physicochemical properties of the materials were assessed before sterilization and introduction of the inoculants and assessment of their viability for 8 months. Most of the physicochemical properties of the materials varied significantly (p &lt; 0.05). Bagasse supported the maximum growth of MPUS7 (5.331 log CFU g−1) under refrigeration and LUTT5 (4.094 log CFU g−1) under both conditions. Under room storage, the maximum growth of MPUS7 (3.721 log CFU g−1) occurred in WB. Formulations that remained viable under room storage can easily be integrated into existing agricultural distribution systems that lack refrigeration.

Biological mixture of brown algae extracts influences the microbial community of Lobivia arachnacantha, Lobivia aurea, Lobivia jojoiana and Lobivia grandiflora in pot cultivation

Research goal: Based on the information found in the literature, it has been verified that the use of biofertilizing algae can definitely improve plant quality, growth, and blooms. In this work, studies were conducted to evaluate whether the use of algae in the cultivation of ornamental cacti in pots can improve the growth, ornamental qualities and resistance to salt stress of plants that normally grow in environmental conditions different from our latitudes. Materials and Methods: The experiments, started in September 2020, were conducted in the greenhouses of CREA-OF in Pescia (PT), Tuscany, Italy (43°54′N 10°41′E) on Lobivia arachnacantha, Lobivia aurea shaferi, Lobivia jojoiana and Lobivia grandiflora herzogli. The experimental groups were: i) group control, irrigated with water and substrate previously fertilized; ii) group control1, irrigated with water and substrate previously fertilized + 50 mM of NaCl once every 7 days; iii) group with algae, irrigated with water and substrate previously fertilized; iv) group with algae, irrigated with water and substrate previously fertilized + 50 mM of NaCl once every 7 days. On July 28, 2021, plant height and circumference, suckers’ number, number and length of thorns, vegetative and roots weight, flowers number, flowers life, plants dead from salinity stress, substrate microbial count, pH were analysed. Results and Discussion: The test showed a significant increase in agronomic and quality parameters analyzed in plants treated with algae extracts on Lobivia arachnacantha, Lobivia aurea shaferi, Lobivia jojoiana and Lobivia grandiflora herzogli. In fact, the trial showed in agronomic terms an increase in plant height and circumference, number of new suckers, vegetative and roots growth, number and length of thorns and flowers number. In qualitative terms, theses treated with algae extracts have shown a significant increase in the flower’s life and greater resistance to salt stress. The trial also showed an increase in the microorganism’s number in the theses treated with algae and a lowering of the pH in the substrate. The results therefore suggest the presence of additional sources of carbon and energy in particular nitrogen and phosphorus that ensure the increase of microbial populations and influence their behavior. Conclusions: This research paper highlights the potential of biofertilizer technology in terms of cost, environmental sustainability, and saline soil improvement. As in other experiments in the literature, the application of algae not only resulted in significant effects on plant growth but also influenced the development of microbial communities in the soil.

Burkholderia cepacia BAM-12 isolated from mungbean field in Rajasthan augments plant growth in agricultural field soil of Gujarat, India

Application of exotic bacterial strains as biofertilizer has always posed a constraint in the success of biofertilizer technology. Only a limited number of biofertilizers with applicability in a wide range of soil conditions is available in the market. Pseudomonas cepacia BAM-12 (MTCC No. 7100) (now known as Burkholderia cepacia), an isolate from the mungbean rhizosphere of the agricultural field of Rajasthan has shown remarkable plant growth promotion in Gujarat agricultural field soil. B. cepacia was found to increase the overall growth of 3 agriculturally important plants widely grown in Gujarat region, viz., mungbean, maize and rice. Increased plant growth was assessed on the basis of increased leaf number and area, biomass, chlorophyll content, profuse adventitious root branching, increased nodulation (in mungbean only), high available P in soil and overall plant growth in B. cepacia treated plants. Vital factor towards increased plant growth was the amount of IAA secreted by the organism (i.e. 2.65 mg IAA/100 ml of the culture filtrate) which is reasonably high in comparison to earlier reports available. Furthermore, PSB has also demonstrated bioremediation potential against harmful heavy metals such as copper, lead, nickel and arsenic by tolerating upto 25 mM indicating it’s prospective in remediating heavy metal contaminated agricultural fields.

The conservation of endemic and endangered tree species Kalapia celebica Kosterm with Mycorrhizal bio-fertilizer technology in post-gold mining areas

This research aimed to determine the effectiveness of mycorrhizal fungi of arbuscular (AMF) on the growth of Kalappia celebica Kosterm at 4 months aged after planting in gold mining land of PT. Panca LogamMakmur, Bombana, Southeast Sulawesi. This study was designed using block randomized design (BRD) consisted of 5 treatments, i.e. control, Constrictum etunicatum, Septoglomus constrictum, Glomus claroideum Schenk & Smith, Glomus coronatum Giovann, and mixed AMF (G. claroideum, G. coronatum). Each treatment had three replications. The results showed that AMF colonization significantly increased the growth of K. celebica plants. G. coronatum and C. etunicatum significantly increased the height, diameter, and leaf area and leaves dry weight of K. celebica. AMF can be used for the conservation of extinct tree species in gold mining lands.

Lantana charcoal as potent carrier material for Azotobacter chroococcum

Abstract Azotobacter chroococcum is a universally accepted plant growth-promoting rhizospheric bacterium, which, as a biofertilizer, helps to increase the nitrogen level, solubilize the unavailable form of phosphorus, ensure growth-promoting metabolites, and control pathogenic microbes in the soil. A good strain of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) needs to be produced, formulated, transported, stored, and distributed to the agriculture field. During all these operations, bacterial inoculants are transferred via a carrier material. One of the important challenges in biofertilizer technology is to ensure stability of the bacteria in the carrier. The study aimed to assess a novel carrier Lantana charcoal (LC; obtained from Lantana camara biomass), as compared to some currently available carriers. LC exhibited higher carbon content, low N2 content, neutral pH, and, above all, higher water-holding capacity, making it a suitable carrier material for A. chroococcum and possibly other PGPR. As a carrier, it showed no contamination during storage, exhibited the highest moisture content and moderate culture holding coefficient, and supported the highest colony-forming units per gram at the end of the storage period. Thus, LC cannot only serve as a better carrier, but its large-scale application would also ensure a reasonable use of this weed.

Farmers 'Response To The Nature Of Innovation Pakuwon Biofertilizer Technology To Stimulate Simultaneous Flowering of Coffee Plants

Pakuwon biofertilizer is a biological fertilizer that has advantages in synchronizing coffee flowering. This technological innovation was produced by the Research Institute for Industrial Crops and Refreshments (Balitri) of the Agricultural Research and Development Agency which is able to increase the productivity of coffee plants and the efficiency of harvest labor. This study aims to determine the response of farmers to the Pakuwon biofertilizer technology innovation. The research was conducted from June to August 2019 at the Pematang Manggis Farmer Group, Talang Ulu Village, Curup Timur District, which is one of the coffee production centers in Rejang Lebong. Data collection was carried out through survey techniques and demonstrations involving 12 farmers. The data collected is the response of farmers to the nature of Pakuwon biofertilizer technology innovation which includes relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, observability, and triability. The survey to determine the response of farmers was carried out twice, namely the first survey after the socialization of technology and the second survey after the implementation of demonstration methods in the field of 200 coffee plants over 10 years old. Data were analyzed descriptively and statistically using response mapping and the Wilcoxon rank test. The results showed that the attributes of Pakuwon biofertilizer innovation, namely relative advantage, complexity, and triability, increased after the demonstration was carried out, the compatibility attributes were fixed, while the observability decreased. The decreasing observability is assumed because farmers are not sure about the results obtained because they have not seen the results of applying the Pakuwon biofertilizer in the field. Only the complexity attribute increased significantly after the demonstration of how to do it, showing that the application of Pakuwon biofertilizer technology innovation is easy to do in the field.

Temperature Tolerant Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae Strains with Plant Growth Promotion Traits

Rhizobacteria (PGPR) that promote the plant growth are essential component of sustainable agriculture. Pea (Pisum sativum L.) root nodule Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae ten strains were cultured at two different temperatures (28°C and 45°C). Out of eight strains screened the three N25, N30 and N40 were temperature tolerant while only one strain (N40) showed tolerance to pH11. The growth of Rhizobium strain N40 at 45 °C was 96.8 percent as compared to the growth of the at 28°C. The temperature tolerant strain N40 produced maximum IAA and solubilized insoluble tri calcium phosphate compared to other strains and thus can be used microbial inoculant in biofertilizer technology.

Cyanobacterial biofertilizer’s successful journey from rural technology to commercial enterprise: an Indian perspective

This paper discusses the outcome of a study on the transition of cyanobacterial biofertilizer technology from laboratory to small-scale production to large-scale commercial use. The nitrogen-fixing ability of cyanobacteria helps to reduce the dose of chemical nitrogen fertilizer (urea) needed, so they are immensely important for paddy crops, especially in Southeast Asian nations, where soil quality is deteriorating and where large groups of farmers cannot afford the use of more costly chemical fertilizers. Inundated water is required for this technology to be effective in paddy crops and is also imperative for good paddy crop; fortunately, this is exactly how paddy is grown on the Indian subcontinent. This study elaborates the whole cyanobacterial biofertilizer technology chain and its development process, the triggering role played by industry partners, and industry’s dissemination of the technology to farmers’ doorsteps.

The 2,2’ Dipyridyl-Induced Iron Starvation and its Effects on Growth and Photosynthesis in Cyanobacterium Nostoc punctiforme ATCC 29133

Iron is essential for growth of most organisms, including cyanobacteria, a ubiquitous and ecologically important group of microorganisms in nature. The present study was initiated to investigate the effects of iron starvation on the growth, frequency of heterocysts (the sites for nitrogen-fixation), photosynthetic pigments and photosynthesis in the filamentous, nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium Nostoc punctiforme ATCC 29133. Iron starvation was achieved in cyanobacterial cultures by growing them in medium free of combined nitrogen containing 2,2’dipyridyl (a high affinity iron-chelator) without any addition of iron source. Compared to iron-sufficient control cultures, the iron-starved cultures showed decrease in growth determined for 15 days. The reduction in growth was coupled with a decreased heterocyst (N2-fixation sites) frequency and the number of cells per filament measured after 2 and 4 days of iron-starvation. Similarly, a considerable drop in the concentration of photosynthetic pigments such as, phycocyanin and chlorophyll a were also noticed in iron-starved cultures. Carotenoid level, however, was higher in iron-starved cultures compared to control. The maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II photochemistry indicating the photosynthetic efficiency was severely affected in iron-starved Nostoc punctiforme ATCC 29133. Overall, the results presented in this study suggest that deficiency of iron negatively impacts growth, photosynthesis and perhaps nitrogen-fixation in the cyanobacterium N. punctiforme ATCC 29133. Given the role of cyanobacteria in biofertilizer technology, it is suggested that iron bio-availability in agricultural fields may strongly impact the biofertilizer potential of diazotrophic cyanobacteria. Therefore, efforts to improve biofertilizer potential of cyanobacteria may be directed towards identifying strains which can better adapt to iron deficiency.

Liquid microbial consortium: A potential tool for sustainable soil health

The green revolution brought amazing consequences in food grain production but with insufficient concern for agricultural sustainability. The availability and affordability of fossil fuel based chemical fertilizers at farm level in India have been ensured only through imports and subsidies which are largely dependent on GDP of the country. Dependence on chemicals for future agricultural needs would result in further loss in soil health, possibilities of water contamination and calculated burden on the fiscal system. Indiscriminate synthetic fertilizer usage has polluted the soil, water basins, destroyed micro-organisms and eco-friendly insects, made the crop more susceptible to diseases and depleted soil fertility at the primary levels as of today, which is the main concern of the write up. In this critical context Microorganisms have been emerged as the potential alternative for the productivity, reliability and sustainability of the global food chain. Carrier based biofertilzers has already proved to be the best over the agro chemicals and have been showing the tremendous effect on the global agriculture productivity since the past two decades. Rectifying the disadvantages of the carrier based biofertilizers, liquid biofertilizers have been developed which would be the only alternative for the cost effective sustainable agriculture. The article focuses on Liquid Biofertilizer Technology providing reliable reasons for their necessity, specificity and emphasizes that “Use of agriculturally important microorganisms in different combinations i.e. Liquid microbial consortium (LMC) is the only solution for restoration of soil health”. Even though biofertilizers are being produced and distributed constantly by private agencies, NGO’s, State and Central Government production units for the last three decades, their corresponding usage is not in the satisfactory proportions. To cope with the rising demands for food commodities, serious efforts are being made by the State and Central Governments (under the National Projects) for the sufficient agricultural production by popularizing biofertilizers and making them available to the farmer community. In spite of these efforts, the rate of consumption of biofertilizers is not to the optimum level in comparison with the agrochemicals. The reason attributed is the “non-availability of good and suitable carrier materials” that raises contamination problems and shorter shelf life.

Adoption Determinants of Biofertilizer Technology for Soybean in Rainfed Area

The target of the Government of Indonesia (the GoI) for achieving soybean self-sufficiency in 2018-2020 makes some efforts for increasing soybean production requiring the increase of productivity, as well as harvest area, should be done. The rainfed area is an excellent potential for soybean cultivation area expansion in Indonesia. The area reaches 3.1 million ha in Indonesia with 413,000 ha are in South Sulawesi Province. It mostly does not use for soybean cultivation due to limited water availability. Cropping patterns in the rainfed area are paddy - fallow, paddy - corn, paddy - soybean, or paddy - mungbean depends on the water availability. The productivity of soybean in the rainfed area is around 1.5 t/ha, and it is expected to be increased in the range of 1.8-3.2 t/ha. Dissemination of biofertilizer technology for soybean in the rainfed area named “Biodetas” was conducted during the dry season of 2017 in Tompobulu Sub-district, Maros Regency, South Sulawesi Province. Components of “Biodetas” technology introduced include (1) the use of biofertilizer (Agrisoy), (2) the reducing of NPK fertilizer use, (3) the use of leaf fertilizer, as well as (4) the use of organic fertilizer. The dissemination scale was 40 ha then compared to 5 ha of the existing cultivation. Research aimed to determine factors affecting farmers to adopt the biofertilizer technology of “Biodetas”. Research used regression analyses using a binary logic model with the IBM SPSS Statistics 20 program. Variables used were farmers’ experience on soybean cultivation, formal education, the extent of soybean planting area, soybean production, income from soybean, rice, and other farming activities, as well as dummy variables for land ownership status, biofertilizer production inputs access, improved seed access, and higher production cost should be provided by farmers. The application of “Biodetas” was able to increase soybean yield to 2.7 t/ha, 71% higher compared to the existing technology that produced 1.6 t/ha soybean. It is economically feasible to be adopted by farmers with B/C ratio1.2. The determinant of technology adoption by farmers was the extent of the soybean planting area. The larger soybean planting area will accelerate the adoption of technology. It may be related to landowners’ economic capability to provide the necessary production inputs to obtain the optimal yield.

The socio-economic impacts of introducing circular economy into Mediterranean rice production

Abstract: A novel bio-fertilizer technology that utilizing paddy rice residues (bran and husk) through composting was assessed in the context of life cycle assessment application to circular bio-economy. The bio-fertilizer can recycle the nutrients in residues to replace synthetic fertilizer within the rice production system. To evaluate the feasibility and potential benefits of this circular rice production system, a hybrid life cycle assessment model was developed to estimate social-economic impact. The model combined the multi-regional input-output database (Exiobase), with engineering process data of conventional and circular rice production systems from the Agrocycle project. The gross value added and employment in each system were compared at functional unit and sectoral level. The results indicated the efficiency of fertilizer application has a significant effect on social-economic impacts. The circular system has the potential to increase the gross value added and employment in conventional rice production, but the circular rice system could not improve both economic and social impacts at the same time. The results indicated the circular system did not necessarily achieve more positive social-economic impacts than the convention linear system. Considering the circularity and efficient use of resources, the bio-fertilizer technology should not be dismissed. To derive better social-economic performance from the circular rice supply chain, further developments are required, such as technology development to reduce unit production cost and infrastructure development to support bio-fertilizer production.

Multiplex and quantitative PCR targeting SCAR markers for strain-level detection and quantification of biofertilizers.

Biofertilizers are the eco-friendly bio-input being used to sustain the agriculture by reducing the chemical inputs and improving the soil health. Quality is the major concern of biofertilizer technology which often leads to poor performance in the field and thereby loses the farmers' faith. To authenticate the strain as well as its presumed cell load of a commercial product, sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers were developed for three biofertilizer strains viz., Azospirillum brasilense (Sp7), Bacillus megaterium (Pb1) and Azotobacter chroococcum (Ac1). We evaluated the feasibility of multiplex-PCR and quantitative real-time PCR for SCAR marker-based quality assessment of the product as well as the persistence of the strains during crop growth. We showed that multiplex PCR can concurrently discriminate the strains based on the amplicons' size and detects up to 104 cells per g or per ml of carrier-based or liquid formulation of biofertilizer, respectively. The detection limit of quantitative PCR targeting SCAR markers is 103 cells per g or ml of biofertilizer. Both the PCR methods detected and quantified them in the maize rhizosphere. Hence SCAR marker-based quality assessment would be a sensitive tool to monitor the biofertilizer production as well as its persistence in the inoculated crop rhizosphere.

PENERAPAN PUPUK HAYATI PADA TANAMAN PADI DI DESA TEGALMENGKEB KECAMATAN SELEMADEG TIMUR KABUPATEN TABANAN BALI

Community service is implemented in Tegalmengkeb Village of East Selemadeg District Tabanan, Bali. Thepurpose of this dedication improves the understanding and skills of farmers in the application of biofertilizeron rice crops. The method used in this activity is counselling with lectures and discussions, followed bytraining on the manufacture of local microorganisms (MOL) and the application of biofertilizer on rice crops.It is hoped that the community can apply biofertilizer technology that can improve rice crop yield andfarmer's income. The results of the training increase the understanding of farmers about biofertilizer by 30%,know about the biofertilizer and the role of biofertilizer as fertilizer of soil and plants. Increased farmers'skills in the production of local microorganisms (MOL) and can apply Egary biofertilizer to rice crops.

Up to 52 % N fertilizer replaced by biofertilizer in lowland rice via farmer participatory research

Rice production needs to rise substantially without increasing inputs such as chemical fertilizers to feed the world’s growing population in a sustainable manner. In this regard, plant growth-promoting microorganisms, formulated as inoculant biofertilizers, show strong potential by improving nutrient use efficiency. However, the practical use of biofertilizers by farmers remains limited because of inconsistent results under field conditions. We hypothesized that biofertilizer performance depends on the amount and type of chemical fertilizer applied in concert with the biofertilizer and that such knowledge can improve inoculation efficacy. Farmer participatory field experiments were conducted at 20 different farms from two localities in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta over four growing seasons. On each farm, one half of a split-plot was treated with chemical fertilizer at conventional rates. The remaining area was given only 50–80 % of the usual chemical fertilizer rates but supplemented with the commercial biofertilizer BioGro containing four plant growth-promoting microorganisms. Our results demonstrate that the biofertilizer can replace between 23 and 52 % of nitrogen (N) fertilizer without loss of yield but cannot substitute for phosphorus (P) fertilizer. In addition, we found that up to 45 % of the variability in biofertilizer performance is related to the amount and timing of N, P, and K fertilizers applied to the crop. Importantly, the yield response to both biofertilizer and N fertilizer is strongly affected by the seasonal growing conditions. Overall, our findings show for the first time that farmer participatory experiments can be used to increase the efficacy of biofertilizers through manipulating chemical fertilizer inputs. This new information will accelerate the uptake of biofertilizer technology if managed correctly.

Microbial Contributions in Alleviating Decline in Soil Fertility

The continued decline in soil fertility, high fertilizer costs and the need to implement environmental friendly agricultural systems are some of the world’s major strategic concerns. Soil microorganisms are part of the soil ecosystem and are reported to contribute in soil fertility improvement. This paper is aimed at highlighting their contributions in alleviating soil fertility decline. The Rhizobium /legume symbiosis, a well known association contributes substantial amounts of biologically fixed nitrogen to cropping systems and significant benefits on yields of crops that follow in rotation. Soil microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi contribute to plant phosphorus nutrition through solubilization of sparingly soluble Al, Fe and Ca phosphates, and mineralization of phosphorus from organic substances. Solubilization is mainly achieved through production of organic acids, chelation and ligand exchange, and other pH lowering mechanisms whereas mineralization is achieved through production of enzymes such as phytases and phosphatases. Mycorrhizal associations are reported to contribute to plant phosphorus nutrition through increasing root surface area for soil exploration, production of phosphorus solubilizing enzymes and acids. Mycorrhizal fungi and bacteria also solubilize other nutrients such zinc, copper, potassium and calcium from their precipitated or sparingly soluble forms. Microorganisms also contribute to soil fertility improvement through their roles in composting. They are currently isolated, studied and packaged as biofertilizers and used to supplement chemical fertilizers. It can be noted that thorough exploitation of microbial activities can contribute to balanced plant nutrition. However, poor soil management practices limit realization of potential benefits from soil microorganisms whereas biofertilizer technology development in Review Article

Cost effective pilot scale production of biofertilizer using Rhizobium and Azotobacter

We standardized the protocol for pilot scale production of Rhizobium and Azotobacter biofertilizer technology using region specific and environmental stress compatible strains isolated from various agro climatic regions of Odisha, India. The cost benefit of biofertilizer production through a cottage industry is also presented. With an investment of $5000 as fixed cost, recurring expenses approximately $460 per year, indirect cost towards salary and wages $4800, 24000 packets of biofertilizer can be produced. By selling the biofertilizer $0.5 per pack, the net benefit is $6000 per year. If the production capacity is quadrupled, the profit would be about $30000 per year. This cost benefit calculation showed the possibility of entrepreneurship on microbial biofertilizers through cottage industry in rural areas in India as well as other developing countries. Keywords: Rhizobium , Azotobacter , biofertilizer, agro-climatic regions