Liquid Biofertilizer Research Articles

Impact of feldspar and liquid Bio-fertilizer on fruit quantity and quality of olive trees Picual cv.

The present investigation was carried out in two consecutive seasons (2022 and 2023) on eight-year-old olive trees “Picual” cv., planted at 4×6m apart around (420 trees / Fed). Trees irrigated with drip irrigation system, at a private orchard. The experiment included 3 rates of Feldspar as source of naturel potassium at 2, 4, and 6 kg/ tree and potassium dissolving bacteria as liquid Bio-fertilizers supplemented (25 ml) at two or three times to investigate the yield and fruit quality of Picual olive trees. Data indicated that the yield of Picual olive trees fertilized with feldspar and liquid Bio-fertilizer increase to 70% over control. Picual olive trees treated with (4 kg Feldspar + 25 ml liquid Bio-fertilizer at three doses) achieved the highest increase in the yield for the both seasons and also gave the highest fruit weight, volume and fruit flesh/stone ratio of olive trees Picual cv. Concerning leaf nitrogen percentage (N%) The highest percentage of N% for the both years was recorded by treatment (6 kg Feldspar + 25 ml liquid Bio-fertilizer at three doses). With respect to leaf phosphor and potassium percentage, it could be seen that most treatments gave more or less results similar to the control.

Field Test of Cyanobacteria as Biofertilizer for the Cultivation of Triticum Aestivum (Wheat) Plant

Wheat is rich in carbohydrates, Protein and essential Vitamins and Minerals such Vitamins B and E, Calcium and Iron, as well as fiber. Wheat is an important cereal crop in achieving global Food security. It is cultivated worldwide and is second highest in production. Wheat production is affected mainly by biotic and abiotic stresses all over the world. Maximum yield of wheat can be attained over balanced consumption of all plant nutrient resources. In recent past due to increased cost of chemical fertilizer and with moto of tumbling environmental pollution, creation of amplified awareness on the use of organic sources with bio-fertilizers which are the sources of macro, micro and secondary nutrients to endure both the soil fertility and productivity. The combined nutrient supply contemplates to collective use of inorganic and organic sources of plant nutrient and bio-fertilizers for crop productivity apart from keeping up inspiring soil health. Since past few years, bio-fertilizers like Azotobacter, PSB, (Phosphate solubilizing bacteria). Azospirillum and liquid bio-fertilizers have shown fabulous potential to improve yield of wheat as these are eco-friendly and low-cost agriculture inputs. Managing Nitrogen inputs in wheat production systems is a significant issue in order to attain maximum profitable production, and minimum negative environmental influence. Wheat production can be enhanced to two to three fold by implementing the cyanobacteria based bio fertilizer. Current study indicates a boost in crop growth, height, thickness of stem, increase in number of grain pods and quantity.

Enzyme-powered waste valorization: Simultaneous hydrolysis and fermentation of kitchen waste for biofertilizer production

The study introduces a systematic process aimed at the production of a biofertilizer formulation utilizing kitchen waste as the primary bioresource. This process effectively tackles challenges associated with the management of municipal solid waste and the economical synthesis of environmentally sustainable biofertilizers. The employed approach, known as simultaneous hydrolysis and fermentation, incorporates a highly efficient in-house developed multi-enzyme preparation derived from Aspergillus niger P-19 along with a consortium of plant growth-promoting microorganisms, namely Klebsiella pneumoniae KMB-407, Micrococcus luteus AS-17, and Azotobacter chroococcum AZ-1. The outcome is the creation of a stable liquid biofertilizer formulation with a viable count of 1.78 × 1015 CFU/mL. Upon applying this biofertilizer formulation to Solanum lycopersicum (Tomato) plants, significant improvements were observed in both plant productivity and soil quality. Additionally, positive effects were noted in terms of enhanced flowering and fruiting of the treated plants compared to the control group.

Effect of Liquid Organic Manures on the Performance of Sweet Corn (Zea mays L. saccharata)

A field experiment was conducted during rabi 2022 at Block D of the College Farm, Agriculture College, Naira. The experiment was laid out in Split-plot design with three main plots.M1:100% RDF (180-60-60 NPK Kg ha-1) + FYM @10 t ha-1, M2:75% RDF (135-45-45 NPK Kg ha-1) + FYM @10 t ha-1. M3:0% RDF- Control and four sub-plotsS1: Liquid azospirllum+PSB+KRB+ZnSB+@1.25 L ha-1 each at knee high stage, S2: Vermiwash spraying twice @5% at knee high and tasseling to silking stages, S3: Panchagavya spraying twice @3% at knee high and tasseling to silking stages andS4: Drava Jeevamrutham spraying twice @10% at knee high and tasseling to silking stages Results revealed that 100% RDF (180-60-60 NPK Kg ha-1) + FYM @10 t ha-1 (M1) recorded maximum fresh cob yield (16409 kg ha-1) and stover yield (17481 kg ha-1). Among the subplots: Liquid azospirllum+ PSB+ KRB+ ZnSB+@1.25 L ha-1 (S1) recorded maximum fresh cob yield (14091 kg ha-1) and stover yield (15623 kg ha-1). The interaction effect of different doses of RDF and liquid biofertilizers on fresh cob yield, stover yield and HI was found to be nonsignificant. Hence, it can be concluded that different doses of RDF and liquid biofertilizers are advantageous for weet corn cultivation on sandy loam soils of North costal region.

Finger Millet System Productivity as Influenced by Liquid Biofertilizer Consortium

Finger Millet System Productivity as Influenced by Liquid Biofertilizer Consortium

Impact of Different Fertility Levels and Liquid Biofertilizers on Biological Properties and Nutrient Content of Soil under Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Crop

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2019 at the Instructional Farm of Agronomy, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur. The treatments comprised of four levels of fertility i.e. control, 75, 100 and 125% RDF and four levels of liquid biofertilizers i.e. control, Azotobacter, PSB and Azotobacter + PSB. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design replicated thrice taking wheat var. Raj.-4238 as test crop. The Recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) was 100:60:40 kg ha-1 of N: P2O5: K2O. The results of the study demonstrated a significant increase in several important soil parameters in the post-harvest wheat fields. This increase was observed as we applied higher levels of fertilizers and liquid biofertilizers, specifically up to the point where we used 100% of the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) and a combination of Azotobacter and Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB). The application of increased fertility levels and the use of Azotobacter + PSB as liquid biofertilizers led to significant improvements in soil microbial biomass, microbial populations and enzyme activities, enhancing the overall health and fertility of the post-harvest wheat soil. Additionally, significant increases in sulphur and micronutrients (Zn, Cu Fe and Mn) in soil with the application of 100% RDF.

Enhancing Upland Rice Growth and Yield with Indigenous Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) Isolate at N-Fertilizers Dosage

Upland rice farming plays a crucial role in ensuring food security in Indonesia. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) isolates on the growth of upland rice. The bioassay and pot experiments were conducted to select the capable isolates of PGPR and to investigate the effect of the PGPR inoculant on the N fertilizer efficiency and agronomic traits of upland rice. The bacterial isolates were identified through a biochemical analysis and tested under controlled greenhouse conditions. The selected PGPR inoculant was formulated as a liquid biofertilizer (LB). The three capable isolates were obtained to fix nitrogen, produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), organic acid, and nitrogenase activity and were identified through a biomolecular analysis as Delftia tsuruhatensis strain D9, Delftia sp. strain MS2As2, and Bacillus sp. The application of the LB into the soil at a dose of 10 L ha−1 and 50 kg ha−1 N resulted in a grain yield of 29.81 g pot−1 and a relative agronomic effectiveness (RAE) value of 235.08%, signifying a significant improvement over the conventional method. Several variables, including the number of grains, number of panicles, root length, 1000-grain weight, population of nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and nitrogen uptake exhibited a strong correlation with the grain yield, accounting for 97.80% of the observed variation. These findings show the enormous potential of PGPR isolates, specifically of Delftia tsuruhatensis strain D9, Delftia sp. strain MS2As2, and Bacillus sp., in significantly enhancing the upland rice output in Indonesia. Furthermore, the use of an LB as a biofertilizer in conjunction with nitrogen fertilization provides a viable and sustainable way to increase yields and enhance the overall sustainability of the region’s upland rice farming systems.

Effect of Biofertilizer and Fertility Levels on Growth Characters of Mungbean under Mid Hills of Himachal Pradesh, India

Biofertilizers are tiny living organisms that can enrich the quality of the soil. These organisms positively imapact, making them healthier and more productive. One of the great things about biofertilizers is that they are environmentally friendly. Unlike some chemical fertilizers, they do not harm the environment. This makes them a good choice for sustainable farming practices. Another advantage of using biofertilizers is that they are cost-effective. One of their most important roles is maintaining the soil’s long-term fertility. Over time, chemical fertilizers can deplete the soil of its natural nutrients. Biofertilizers, on the other hand, work in harmony with the soil, helping to keep it healthy and productive for years to come. So, if you want to increase your soil's productivity and do so in an environmentally friendly and cost-effective way, using biofertilizers is smart and intelligent. The present investigation, titled Effect of Biofertilizer and Fertility Levels on Growth Characters of Mungbean under Mid-hills of Himachal Pradesh was conducted during the kharif season of 2022 at the Chamelti Agriculture Farm, MS Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh. The soil of the experimental site was sandy loam in texture, slightly alkaline in reaction with EC in a safe range, medium in organic carbon, available nitrogen, and potassium and high in available phosphorus. The field experiment was laid out in randomized block design comprising ten treatments viz. (T₁) control, (T2) 100% RDF, (T3) 75% RDF + seed treatment with liquid biofertilizer, (T4) 100% RDF + seed treatment with liquid biofertilizer, (T5) 75% RDF + seed treatment with solid biofertilizer, (T6) 100% RDF + seed treatment with solid biofertilizer, (T7) 75% RDF + soil application with liquid biofertilizer, (T8) 100% RDF + soil application with liquid biofertilizer, (T9) 75% RDF + soil application with solid biofertilizer and (T10) 100% RDF + soil application with solid biofertilizer with three replications. The recommended dose of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (20:40:20 kg ha-1) through urea, SSP and MOP at the sowing. Biofertilizers applied for seed are 10 ml kg-1 of seed, and for the soil application, take 10 g of solid biofertilizer for 1 kg-1 of ha-1of seed and mix with 100 kg of FYM. Pusa Baisakhi variety of mungbean was used for sowing. Other crop management practices were followed as per the recommendation of the area.
 Significantly higher growth characteristics (plant height, no. of branches, no. of trifoliate leaves and dry matter accumulation) were observed with (T8) 100% RDF + soil application of liquid biofertilizer. They were on par with (T10) 100% RDF + soil application of solid biofertilizer over the rest of the treatments. The treatments (T6) 100% RDF + seed treatment with solid biofertilizer were statistically similar to (T4) 100% RDF + seed treatment with liquid biofertilizer, followed by treatments T7, T3 and T2. Thus, the study suggests that mungbean can be successfully grown under the Mid-hills of Himachal Pradesh on (T8) 100% RDF + soil application of liquid biofertilizer.

Response of Fertility Levels and Liquid Biofertilizers on Soil Chemical Properties and Nutrient Uptake under Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Crop

A field experiment was conducted during rabi 2019-20 at Instructional Farm of Agronomy, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur to examine the effect of fertility levels and liquid biofertilizers on soil chemical properties and nutrient uptake by wheat. The treatments comprised of four levels of fertility (i.e. control, 75, 100 and 125% RDF) and four levels of liquid biofertilizers (i.e. no inoculation, Azotobacter, PSB and Azotobacter + PSB). Experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replication taking wheat var Raj 4238 as test crop. The recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) was 100:60:40 kg ha-1 of N:P2O5:K2O. The results revealed that significant increase in available primary nutrient (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) in post harvest soil of wheat and also significantly increase in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur and micronutrients (Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn) uptake by wheat with increasing levels of fertility and liquid biofertilizers up to the 100% RDF and Azotobacter + PSB respectively.

Effect of Liquid Biofertilizers on Productivity, Quality and Soil Biota of Fodder Sorghum

The field experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2022 on sandy clay loam soils at wetland farm of the S.V. Agricultural College, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India, to study the effect of liquid biofertilizers on productivity, quality, and soil biota of fodder sorghum. The treatments were allocated in randomized block design and replicated thrice. The soil was neutral in reaction (6.9 pH), low in available nitrogen (115 kg ha-1), medium in available phosphorus (29 kg ha-1) and low in available potassium (156 kg ha-1) status. The initial soil contains bacteria (13.08 X 107 CFU g-1 soil), fungi (4.04 X 104 CFU g-1 soil) and actinomycetes (1.54 X 103 CFU g-1 soil). The results revealed that the maximum green (32.1 t ha-1) and dry (13.0 t ha-1) fodder yield as well as crude protein (7.3%) were obtained with the application of 75% RDF + Azospirillum + PSB + KSB (Both seed & soil application). Furthermore, this treatment produced a significantly higher soil bacterial (23.2 X 107 CFU g-1 soil), fungal (13.7 X 104 CFU g-1 soil) and actinomycetes (10.3 X 103 CFU g-1 soil) population at harvest.

Development and characterization of rice bran-gum Arabic based encapsulated biofertilizer for enhanced shelf life and controlled bacterial release.

Currently, microbe-based approaches are being tested to address nutrient deficiencies and enhance nutrient use efficiency in crops. However, these bioinoculants have been unsuccessful at the commercial level due to differences in field and in-vivo conditions. Thus, to enhance bacterial stability, microbial formulations are considered, which will provide an appropriate microenvironment and protection to the bacteria ensuring better rhizospheric-colonization. The present study aimed to develop a phosphobacterium-based encapsulated biofertilizer using the ion-chelation method, wherein a bacterial strain, Myroid gitamensis was mixed with a composite solution containing rice bran (RB), gum Arabic (GA), tricalcium phosphate, and alginate to develop low-cost and slow-release microbeads. The developed microbead was studied for encapsulation efficiency, shape, size, external morphology, shelf-life, soil release behavior, and biodegradability and characterized using SEM, FTIR, and XRD. Further, the wheat growth-promoting potential of microbeads was studied. The developed microbeads showed an encapsulation efficiency of 94.11%. The air-dried beads stored at 4°C were favorable for bacterial survival for upto 6 months. Microbeads showed 99.75% degradation within 110 days of incubation showing the bio-sustainable nature of the beads. The application of dried formulations to the pot-grown wheat seedlings resulted in a higher germination rate, shoot length, root length, fresh weight, dry weight of the seedlings, and higher potassium and phosphorus uptake in wheat. This study, for the first time, provides evidence that compared to liquid biofertilizers, the RB-GA encapsulated bacteria have better potential of enhancing wheat growth and can be foreseen as a future fertilizer option for wheat.

Seed Priming for Enhancement of Seed Quality in Quality Protein Maize (QPM) (Zea mays L.)

An investigation was carried out with HQPM-5 maize hybrid and its parental lines HKI-163 and HKI-161 seeds during rabi 2022-23 to evaluate the effect of liquid biofertilizers (Azospirillum, Phosphorus solubilizing bacteria and Potassium solubilizing bacteria) on seed quality attributes in Quality Protein Maize (QPM) genotypes. The seeds were subjected to different concentration and duration of hydropriming and biopriming (Concentration: 10,15 and 20%; Duration: 6,12,18 and 24h). The non primed seeds were used as control. HQPM-5 seeds bioprimed with combination of Azospirillum @ 20 % + Phosphorous solubilizing bacteria @ 20 % + Potassium solubilizing bacteria @ 20 % at 12h (T9) recorded higher seed quality i.e., germination, field emergence, root length, shoot length, seedling length, seedling fresh weight, root dry weight, shoot dry weight, seedling dry weight, seed vigour index I & II, nitrogen and protein content and lower EC of seed leachates than the parental lines, HKI-163 and HKI-161. The overall performance of female parent was found to be better compared to the male parent.

Recovery and utilization of waste filtrate from industrial biological fermentation: Development and metabolite profile of the Bacillus cereus liquid bio-fertilizer

Most fermentation waste filtrates can be used as raw materials for producing bio-fertilizers to reduce wastewater emissions and environmental pollution, but their bio-fertilizer utilization depends on the nutrients contained and their metabolized by functional microorganism. To achieve bio-fertilizer utilization of Acremonium terricola fermented waste filtrate, this study systematically explored the functional microbial species for making good use of waste liquid, optimized material process parameters for bio-fertilizer production based on D-optimal mixture design method, and analyzed the composition of the waste filtrate and its metabolism by functional microorganisms using a non-targeted LC-MS metagenomics technique. The results showed that Bacillus cereus was the functional microbial candidate for producing bio-fertilizer because of its more efficiently utilize the waste filtrate than other Bacillus sp. The optimal material process parameters of the liquid bio-fertilizer were the inoculum dose of 5% (v:v, %), 80% of waste filtrate, 0.25% of N, 3.5% of P2O5, 3.25% of K2O of mass percentage. Under these conditions, the colony forming unit (CFU) of Bacillus cereus could reach (1.59 ± 0.01) × 108 CFU/mL, which met the bio-fertilizer standard requirements of the People's Republic of China (NY/T798). Furthermore, the potential functions of bio-fertilizer were studied based on comparison of raw materials and production components: on the one hand, waste filtrate contained abundant of nitrogen and carbon sources, and bioactive substances secreted by Acremonium terricola, such as β-alanyl-L-lysine, anserine, UMP, L-lactic acid and etc., which could meet the nutrient requirements of the growth of Bacillus cereus; On the other hand, some compounds of waste filtrate with the potential to benefit the plant growth and defense, such as betaine aldehyde, (2E,6E)-farnesol, homogentisic acid and etc., were significantly up regulated by Bacillus cereus utilization of the filtrate. To sum up, this work highlighted that the waste filtrate could be efficiently developed into liquid bio-fertilizer by Bacillus cereus.

Marketing Strategy to Increase Sales of Liquid Biological Fertilizer (Case Study on Tani Makmur Ii Liquid Biofertilizer, Pandanwangi Village, Tempeh District, Lumajang Regency)

Fertilizer is one of the important components in the agricultural sector and has a very important role in increasing agricultural business in Indonesia. This is because farmers have realized the role of fertilizer in agricultural products. This research will be carried out in July 2023 by Gapoktan Tani Makmur II Pandanwangi Village, Tempeh District, Lumajang Regency. Site selection is carried out deliberately (purposive) with the consideration that the location is a producer of organic fertilizer in Lumajang Regency. The respondents of this study were key informants who were chosen because they were considered to know more about the problems studied based on their duties and responsibilities in the company and their relation to marketing activities in the Tani Makmur II Association, which was as many as 15 people. The analysis tools used are SWOT and QSPM. Based on the IFE value (3,664) and EFE value (2,774), the position of the Tani Makmur II association at the Matching Stage stage is in quadrant I, namely cell I and cell IV, this means that the Tani Makmur II Association is in the Growth and Build phases. In quadrant I, Gapoktan Tani Makmur II is advised to use an intensive strategy. Marketing strategy efforts in prosperous farmers II with alternative strategies are the ability to innovate, knowledge of fertilizer certification and institutional performance. The addition of this policy strategy is considered necessary which is prepared consisting of 3 levels with the peak level as the focus / goal consisting of optimizing resources, strengthening microeconomics, maintaining Pandanwangi Village as a fertilizer producer and improving institutional performance.

The potency of a liquid biofertilizer containing bacterial strains of Rhodopseudomonas spp. on recovery of soil properties damaged by Al3+ and Fe2+ toxins and enhancement of rice yield in acid sulfate soil

In the Mekong Delta Vietnam, rice is heavily affected by Al3+ and Fe2+ ions appearing in local acid sulfate soils (AAS). Therefore, the current study was carried out to assess the efficacy of a liquid biofertilizer (LB) containing nitrogen-fixing and phosphorus-solubilizing bacterial strains of Rhodopseudomonas spp. on remediation of soil characteristics and improvements of rice uptakes, growth, and yield. The experiment was designed in a randomized block design with nine treatments and four replications in an ASS. The results have shown that the LB application could contribute to the remediation of soil properties, including an increase in concentrations of NH4 + by 12.9%–19.4%, soluble P by 25.7%–42.6%, total N uptake by 40.7–64.0 kg ha−1 and total P uptake by 5.60–12.6 kg ha−1, and a decrease in concentrations of toxins, such as Al3+ by 12.1%–19.7% and Fe2+ by 16.6%–19.0%, compared to the treatment with the farmer-based fertilization. Thereby, grain yield was improved by 31.9%–32.2% with the LB versus the treatments without the bacteria and by 9.5%–11.1% compared to the commercial biofertilizer treatments. The application of LB reduced 25% N and 50% P of the recommendation versus the farmers’ fertilization and improved performance of rice growth and yield cultivated on ASS which suffered from Al3+ and Fe2+ ions.

Sustainability Engineering on Chicken Slaughterhouse Waste as a Source of Liquid Biofertilizers Supporting Eco-Farming

On average, Indonesia’s chicken slaughter sector consists of Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Businesses (MSMEs), which primarily use domestic product components. The government is concerned with raising national competitiveness, especially for MSMEs, to ensure fair and equitable growth. So that development can be accomplished in a sustainable way, all of these must be accomplished without compromising environmental concerns. The Chicken Slaughterhouse (RPA) MSME industry’s production processes undoubtedly create waste that pollutes the environment. The RPA liquid waste’s high nutrient content must be utilized as a natural resource to aid in the growth of organic and environmentally friendly agriculture. One solution is to use a fermentation process to turn the trash into liquid organic fertilizer. This research was done to ascertain the quality and quantity of macronutrients in liquid biofertilizers as well as the ideal fermentation period for the process. In order to conduct this study, rotten bananas and banana gedebog, EM4, molasses, and chicken manure were added to a reactor containing RPA wastewater. Throughout the 35-day fermentation process, samples were taken on days 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 in order to test the macronutrient content, which included C, N, P, and K, using the UV/VIS, SSA, and N spectrophotometry methods utilizing the Kjeldahl method. The best liquid biofertilizers in this study were made from a combination of RPA waste with banana gedebog, rotten bananas, EM4, molasses (molasses), and skin chicken dung. The mixture fermented for 14 days and contained 17.4 each of the components C-Organic, N-total, K2O, and P2O5 per day. With the exception of the P2O5 level, the liquid organic fertilizer generated complies with Permentan Number 261 of 2019. Notwithstanding this, the liquid organic fertilizer obtained is of higher quality than some fertilizers that have been sold commercially.

Survival of beneficial microbes in liquid bioformulation and optimization of different carrier materials using RSM technique.

Soil salinity in rice cultivation areas is considered a severely limiting factor that adversely affects the quantity and quality of rice production in wetlands. Recently, the alternative use of salt-tolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) inhabiting extreme saline conditions has gained remarkable attention and had positive effects on soil and crops. Therefore, a study has been initiated to develop a liquid biofertilizer formulation from locally isolated multi-strain salt-tolerant PGPR strains such as Bacillus tequilensis and Bacillus aryabhattai, using glycerol (5 mM), trehalose (10 mM), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) at 1% as additives to prolong the shelf-life of the bacteria. After 3 months of incubation, the bacterial population in the trehalose-supplemented mixed strain was highest at 9.73×107 CFU/mL, followed by UPMRE6 and UPMRB9 at 9.40×107 CFU/mL and 8.50×107 CFU/mL respectively. The results showed that the optimal trehalose concentration successfully prolonged the shelf-life of bacteria with minimal cell loss. Validation of quadratic optimization by response surface methodology revealed that the cell density of the mixed strain was 4.278×107 log CFU/mL after 24 h. The precision ratio was 99.7% higher than the predicted value in the minimized medium formulation: 0.267 g/mL trehalose, 1% glycerol, at 120 rpm agitation using the data analysis tools of Design Expert software. The population study confirmed the better and longer survival of salt-tolerant PGPR fortified with 10 mM trehalose, which was considered the best liquid biofertilizer formulation. Moreover, the optimized trehalose-glycerol liquid formulation can be used commercially as it is cost-effective.

Evaluation of Suitable Polymers for the Development of High-Concentrated Liquid Biofertilizers

An improvement in the present liquid formulation of biofertilizer is essential to expand its shelf life and enhance the bioefficacy potential of the inoculated crops. Here, we screened ten different water-soluble polymers for their feasibility as cell protectants in liquid biofertilizers for the duration of three months. The physio-chemical properties and Escherichia coli survival assay experiments identified five potential polymers: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, and natural polymers extracted from seaweed, red algae, and brown algae. These five polymers' aqueous solutions comply with the standard parameters of liquid biofertilizers. Further, these polymers were compared with standard liquid biofertilizer diluting medium (phosphate buffer with glycerol) for the shelf life of two biofertilizer strains, viz., Azospirillum lipoferum (Az204) and Bacillus megaterium var. phosphaticum (Pb1). All the polymers had high cell viability up to 60 days after incubation. In conclusion, the results suggest that these polymers could be effective encapsulating agents to improve the quality of liquid biofertilizers.

Yield attributes of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) and soil properties in Southern Laterites, Kerala as influenced by consortium biofertilizers

A field experiment was undertaken at College of Agriculture, Vellayani during June to December 2019, to assess the efficacy of liquid consortium biofertilizer, Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) Mix - I in cassava and to examine the changes in soil chemical and biological properties with the application. The treatment combinations included four levels of biofertilizer [PGPR Mix - I liquid (L) @ 2 %, PGPR Mix - I liquid (L) @ 5 %, PGPR Mix - I powder (P) formulation @ 10g of 2 % mixture per plant, without biofertilizer] and three levels of nutrients, with 50: 50: 100 kg NPK/ha as the standard dose of nutrients (SDN), [50 % SDN, 75 % SDN, 100 % SDN]. The 4 × 3 factorial experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. The results of the study revealed that the liquid biofertilizer consortium at 5 per cent + 75 percent SDN (37.5: 37.5: 75 kg NPK /ha) recorded significantly superior yield attributes in cassava and improved the soil organic C, available K status and microbial count.

Production of Liquid Biofertilizer from Cassava Peels and Chicken Droppings Using Microbial Inoculants

Production of Liquid Biofertilizer from Cassava Peels and Chicken Droppings Using Microbial Inoculants