Liquid Biofertilizer Research Articles

Prospects for commercial microalgal biorefineries: Integrated pilot demonstrations and process simulations based techno-economic assessment of single and multi-product value chains

Pilot-scale demonstrations and techno-economic simulations are proposed for overcoming uncertainties surrounding technology scale-up impacts and economics of microalgae (MA) biorefineries. Therefore, to contribute to knowledge on promising value chains regarding near-term commercialization, this study investigated the techno-economic performances of alternate commercial (1–10 t MA/d) spirulina MA biorefinery scenarios via integrated pilot demonstrations and Aspen Plus® process simulations. The scenarios include spirulina cultivation and processing into: (I) dried spirulina food product (DSFP), (II) phycocyanin (PCN), (III) PCN + biostimulant for plants (BFP), (IV) 50:50 % MA feedstock split for DSFP and PCN + BFP, and (V) similar to IV but integrated with cattle-dung biogas heat system (CDBHS) allowing for additional liquid biofertilizer recovery. DSFP prices of 13.2–17.3 €/kg (4-fold to 5-fold lower vs market average) were sufficient for profitability of I. Conversely, II and III were unprofitable per the relatively high PCN prices projected for viable operations (283–544 €/kg PCN vs market prices at 170–280 €/kg PCN). Integration of DSFP into the PCN + BFP (IV) plus CDBHS (V) resulted in economically viable biorefineries. Thus, for near-term commercial applications, the integration of the DSFP into the spirulina biorefineries could be strategic for advancing viable productions of the emerging PCN and BFP products. Optimization opportunities for the MA cultivation (e.g. achieved productivity of 8.6 g/m2.d vs reports of 14 g/m2.d) and the downstream processing (e.g. attained PCN yield of 6 % vs theoretical 11 %) could be explored to improve the biorefinery cost and revenues [e.g. 11 % PCN yield corresponds to comparable PCN prices vs the market, i.e. 250–296 €/kg (II) and 154–193 €/kg (III)]. Hence, although the multi-product biorefinery schemes (III-V) could improve the bioresource utilization efficiency, their near-term economic viability will depend largely on the values of the products and technology efficiencies rather than the number of products recovered.

Repelência de Ceratitis capitata (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE) a biofertilizantes e extratos vegetais

Ceratitis capitata is considered the key pest of fruit production worldwide, due to its wide host variety. As an alternative control method for this pest, the objective of this research was to evaluate the repellency of C. capitata to liquid biofertilizers added to plant extracts. The repellency was evaluated through olfactory arenas, using the biofertilizer Vairo and the plant enrichment, diluted in distilled water at 10% and added in equal parts with plant extracts of neem, pitanga and rue at concentrations of 30, 40 and 50% p/v. The larval infestation index was evaluated from the fruits used in the repellency bioassay. The addition of plant biofertilizer and neem extract at 30% w/v showed the highest repellency index for C. capitata, resulting in only 1.6% of visiting flies. The lowest rate of larval infestation was observed in the Vairo biofertilizer + rue extract and in the plant biofertilizer + neem at concentrations of 30 and 40% w/v, with averages of less than one larva/fruit. Vairo biofertilizer + neem extract and plant biofertilizer + pitanga reduces the number of adult insects in fruits and Vairo biofertilizer + rue extract and plant biofertilizer + neem reduces the number of C. capitata larvae in treated fruits. The addition of biofertilizers to the plant extracts analyzed influences the repellency and larval incidence of C. capitata when the fruits are treated with these mixtures.

Digital marketing of agriculture inputs- An institutional success story

This study highlights the institutional success achieved through the digital marketing of liquid biofertilizers, produced by RARS, Anakapalle, affiliated with Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, India, using the Amazon e-marketing platform. The strategic choice of Amazon was driven by its positive reputation, extensive customer reach, and efficient product delivery system. Five biofertilizer variants were made available through dedicated Amazon seller links, catering to farmers, NGOs, research stations, and extension centers. Customer feedback emphasized the time-saving aspect, year-round availability, convenience of purchase, prompt delivery, affordability, high-quality packaging, and inclusion of scientific information. These results underline the need for widespread promotion of online marketing channels, as they offer significant benefits such as time efficiency, 24/7 availability, home delivery, diverse product choices, and cost-effectiveness. Overall, digital marketing of agriculture inputs emerges as a highly valuable and useful approach for farmers, enhancing their access to essential resources.

Separate Hydrolysis and Fermentation of Kitchen Waste Residues Using Multi-Enzyme Preparation from Aspergillus niger P-19 for the Production of Biofertilizer Formulations

This study addresses the management of kitchen waste by transforming it into biofertilizer formulations, utilizing an effective, in-house-developed multi-enzyme preparation. An approach consisting of separate hydrolysis and fermentation bioprocessing processes was used, employing a multi-enzyme preparation from Aspergillus niger P-19 to separately hydrolyze kitchen waste, followed by the fermentation of the hydrolysate for the growth of Klebsiella pneumoniae AP-407, which has biofertilizer traits. This has led to the simultaneous generation of liquid as well as carrier-based biofertilizer formulations with viable cell counts of 3.00 × 1012 CFU/mL and 3.00 × 1012 CFU/g, respectively. Both biofertilizer formulations significantly enhanced the morphometric characteristics and leaf chlorophyll contents of Tagetes erecta, in addition to enriching the soil with essential nutrients. The current study adopted a novel processing technology for the manufacturing of both carrier and liquid biofertilizers, adopting a zero-waste approach for the management of kitchen waste.

Performance of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) as Influenced by Integrated Nutrient Management Under Fertigation

Background: Groundnut (Arachs hypogeae) is a prominent legume vegetable oil seed crop in India and it’s lower productivity is a matter of concern attributed to the major constraints of inefficient irrigation and nutrient management in rabi season. Fertigation is the recent innovative gearing up technology in which the nutrients are applied in précised quantity along with drip irrigation at regular intervals throughout the crop growth matching with their requirement, resulting in enhanced resource use efficiency and crop yields. Liquid formulations of biofertilizers can be diluted sufficiently and applied through drip irrigation uniformly to the root zone of crop. Humic acid is widely used as fertilizer synergist and hence in combination with inorganic fertilizers can enhance their use efficiency and improve root zone activity. The present experiment was conducted to develop an integrated nutrient management practice in combination of chemical fertilizers with organic sources i.e., co inoculation of liquid biofertilisers and humic acid under fertigation for rabi groundnut under fertigation. Methods: The experiment was comprised of seven treatments of integrated nutrient management practices viz., T1- Soil application of 100% RDF(30-40-50 kg N,P2O5 and K2O haˉ¹) + Drip irrigation ; T2- 75 % RDF + Liquid biofertilizers @ 3.75 l haˉ1 ; T3- 75% RDF + Humic acid @ 12.5 l haˉ1 ; T4- 50 % RDF + Liquid biofertilizers @ 3.75 l haˉ1 ; T5–50 % RDF + Humic acid @ 12.5 l haˉ1 ; T6- 100 % RDF + Liquid biofertilizers @ 3.75 l haˉ1 ; T7- 100 % RDF+Humic acid @ 12.5 l haˉ1 which were laid out in randomised block design with three replications. Result: The integrated nutrient management practice with application of 100% RDF (30-40-50 kg N,P2O5 and K2O) + Liquid biofertilizers @ 3.75 l ha-1 (Rhizobium, Phosphorus solubilising bacteria and Potassium solubilising bacteria each @ 1.25 l ha-1) through fertigation recorded tallest plants (49.9 cm), highest LAI(2.05), SCMR value(34.5), highest number of nodules plant -1(60.2), pods plant-1(11.2), 100 pod weight(125.7 g), kernel weight (52.9 g) which resulted in the highest pod (3902 kg ha-1), kernel (2666 kg ha-1), haulm yied (4363kg ha-1 ), higher nutrient uptake and net returns (Rs.130818 ha-1) of groundnut, which were comparable to 100% RDF + Humic acid @ 12.5l ha-1 . However 75% RDF + Liquid biofertilizers @ 3.75 l ha-1 through fertigation recorded growth and pod yield (3988 kg ha-1) of groundnut on par with the best treatment of 100% RDF + Liquid biofertilizers @ 3.75 l ha-1 with a saving of 25 per cent of RDF and net returns of (Rs.130818 ha-1) and higher B:C ratio (2.31).

Effect of the Combination of Biofertilizer and N, P, K Fertilizer on C-Organic Content, Total Bacteria, Humic Acid, and Sweet Corn Results in Jatinangor Inceptisols

Beneficial microorganisms are found in biofertilizers, which can assist in boosting the soil's availability of N, P, and K and promote plant growth. This study aims to ascertain the impact and optimal combination of biofertilizer and N, P, K fertilizers for sweet corn yields, total bacteria, humic acid, and C-organic yields. With 1 control treatment, 2 doses of N, P, K fertilizer, and 6 combinations of N, P, K fertilizer and biofertilizer, the method used Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD). Three times each, the treatment was given. The findings indicated that biofertilizer and N, P, K fertilizer significantly differed with control treatment in organic C, total bacteria, humic acid, and sweet corn yields. Combining biofertilizer with N, P, and K fertilizer increased organic C, total bacteria, and humic acid by 1.08%, 124.67x107, and 2.74%, respectively. With a dose of 1 liquid biofertilizer and ¾ N, P, K fertilizers, sweet corn can be grown up to 11,80 kg plot-1, a 59% increase over the suggested amount of N, P, K fertilizer. The result of this study showed that the best yields of organic C, total bacteria, humic acid, and sweet corn were obtained with a dose of ¾ N, P, K and 1 biofertilizer, ¾ N, P, K and 1 ½ biofertilizer, and 1 N, P, K and 1 ½ biofertilizer.

Effect of Different Liquid Biofertilizers and Varying Fertility Levels on Available N, P2O5, K2O and S Content after Harvesting in Soil

The experimental trail was conducted at the farm of Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute (RARI), Durgapura, Jaipur which is the sub campus of Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner, Jaipur (Raj.). In the research study, observed the effect of different liquid biofertilizers and fertility levels on growth, yield and quality of cluster bean (cymopsis tetragonoloba). The test crops were grown on field during July to November kharif-2018 and 2019. The experiment was raised in factorial randomized block design (FRBD). The treatments of experiment comprised of two factors (1) three treatment of fertility levels: 100 % recommended dose of fertilizers (F1), 75% RDF (F2) and 50 % RDF (F3) and eight treatment of liquid biofertilizer : Control-no biofertilizers (L0), Rhizobium (L1), PSB-phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (L2), KMB-potassium solubilizing bacteria (L 3), SSB-sulphur solubilizing bacteria (L 4) , Rhizobium + PSB (L 5 ), Rhizobium + PSB+ KMB (L 6 ) and Rhizobium + PSB+ KMB + SSB (L 7). Total number of treatments were 24 and replicated three times. The result observed that highest nutrient status found in the combination of 100 % RDF (F1) with Rhizobium + PSB+ KMB + SSB (L 7).

Integrated nutrient management in barley (Hordeum vulgare) under central plateau and hills agroecological region

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) seasons of 2017–18 and 2018–19 at the Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur, Rajasthan, to find out best integrated nutrient management strategy in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). The correlation and regression were studied between yield attributes and yield as influenced by these treatments. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (factorial), comprising combinations of 6 fertility levels [75% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), (45 kg N and 22.5 kg P2 O5 ) 100% RDF (60 kg N and 30 kg P2 O5 ); 125% RDF (75 kg N and 37.5 P2 O5 ); 75% RDF + farmyard manure (FYM) 5 t/ha; 100% RDF + FYM 5 t/ha; and 125% RDF + FYM 5 t/ha, and 4 liquid bioinoculants, viz. Azotobacter, phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), Azotobactor + PSB and Azotobactor + Azospirillum + phosphates solubilizer + PGPR (plant-growth promoting rhizobacteria) at the rate 5 ml/kg seed. The results indicated that, application of 125% RDF in conjunction with FYM 5 t/ha had significant effect on yield attributes, viz. effective tillers (45.36), ear length (9.37 cm), ear weight (3.22g), grains/ear (54.49), grain weight/ear (2.70 g), straw weight/ear (0.52 g), filled spikelet/ear (54.47), least number of unfilled spikelet/ear (3.24) and test weight (49.92 g), and grain (5.20 t/ha), straw (7.79 t/ha) and biological yield (12.99 t/ha) which was at par with 100% RDF + FYM 5 t/ha. However, both these fertility levels significantly increased the grain weight/ear over application of 75% RDF + FYM 5 t/ha, 125% RDF, 100% RDF and 75% RDF during both the years. The barley crop under the influence of conjoint inoculation with liquid bio-fertilizers, consisting combination of Azotobacter + Azospirillum + phosphates solubilizer + plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) recorded significantly higher yield attributes, grain (5.12 t/ha), straw (7.57 t/ha) and biological yields (12.69 t/ha) and was found at par with inoculation of Azotobacter + PSB inoculation. The results showed positive interrelationship between grain yield and yield components, viz. effective tillers, ear length, test weight, grain/ear and grain weight/ear, clearly indicate that grain yield is dependent on several component which are interrelated with each other.

Fertilizer Performance of a Digestate from Swine Wastewater as Synthetic Nitrogen Substitute in Maize Cultivation: Physiological Growth and Yield Responses

Nitrogen (N) is the primary nutrient required for plant growth. During the last few decades, there has been extensive use of synthetic N-containing fertilizers in agriculture, resulting in increased environmental pollution. In this study, the feasibility of replacing synthetic N with biofertilizer in maize cultivation was investigated. A liquid biofertilizer (digestate obtained from the anaerobic digestion of swine wastewater) was obtained and applied to large plots as a total (100%) or partial (50%) substitute for synthetic N fertilizer. Moreover, the most efficient fertilization mode, i.e., basal versus foliar application, was studied. Physiological growth indices, leaf nutritional status, and grain yield were assessed for each biofertilization treatment and compared with the conventional treatment with synthetic minerals. Compared with the conventional treatment, the total substitution of synthetic N by the biofertilizer (basal application) did not affect the growth parameters and grain yield of maize; the other treatments usually resulted in lower growth rates and yields, although not statistically significant (p ≥ 0.05). No difference was observed among the treatments for the contents of N, P, K, or Mg in the leaves. Generally, the highest means for Fe, Ca, Cu, Zn, and Mn contents in leaves were observed after in-row broadcast of synthetic fertilizers or basal application of the digestate as a total substitute for synthetic N, with a significant effect for Fe (p < 0.05). The mode of the biofertilizer application did not have any significant effect on either growth parameters or leaf nutrients. The data show that under the specific conditions of the study, the total substitution of mineral N with basal application of biofertilizer is the best strategy for minimizing the use of synthetic chemicals in maize cultivation without yield penalties.

Mitigation of phytotoxic effect of compost by application of optimized aqueous extraction protocols

The abuse of chemical fertilizers in recent decades has led the promotion of less harmful alternatives, such as compost or aqueous extracts obtained from it. Therefore, it is essential to develop liquid biofertilizers, which in addition of being stable and useful for fertigation and foliar application in intensive agriculture had a remarkable phytostimulant extracts. For this purpose, a collection of aqueous extracts was obtained by applying four different Compost Extraction Protocols (CEP1, CEP2, CEP3, CEP4) in terms of incubation time, temperature and agitation of compost samples from agri-food waste, olive mill waste, sewage sludge and vegetable waste. Subsequently, a physicochemical characterization of the obtained set was performed in which pH, electrical conductivity and Total Organic Carbon (TOC) were measured. In addition, a biological characterization was also carried out by calculating the Germination Index (GI) and determining the Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD5). Furthermore, functional diversity was studied using the Biolog EcoPlates technique. The results obtained confirmed the great heterogeneity of the selected raw materials. However, it was observed that the less aggressive treatments in terms of temperature and incubation time, such as CEP1 (48 h, room temperature (RT)) or CEP4 (14 days, RT), provided aqueous compost extracts with better phytostimulant characteristics than the starting composts. It was even possible to find a compost extraction protocol that maximize the beneficial effects of compost. This was the case of CEP1, which improved the GI and reduced the phytotoxicity in most of the raw materials analyzed. Therefore, the use of this type of liquid organic amendment could mitigate the phytotoxic effect of several composts being a good alternative to the use of chemical fertilizers.

Evaluation of the Usefulness of Fermented Liquid Organic Formulations and Manures for Improving the Soil Fertility and Productivity of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

The practice of incorporating organic manures and fermented liquid biofertilizers of different origins and compositions can supply valuable nutrients to the soil. To ascertain the effect of fermented liquid organic nutrient formulations (FLONFs) on the rhizospheric microbial population, growth characteristics, nutritional status, and yield of brinjal, a field experiment was conducted in consecutive seasons in 2017 and 2018. Fermented liquid biofertilizers (panchagavya and jeevamrut) were prepared and applied along with organic manures to brinjal plants in ten treatment combinations in three replications. The treatment (T4) involving the combined use of organics and FLONFs contributed significantly to the soil dehydrogenase enzyme activity (4.9 mg TPF h−1 g−1 soil), phosphatase enzyme activity (25.5 mmoles PNP h−1 g−1 soil), and urease enzyme activity (0.27 mg NH4+ g−1 soil). The mean bacterial count, fungal count, and actinomycete levels were 203.3 × 108 cfu g−1, 4.34 × 103 cfu g−1, and 3.41 × 102 cfu g−1 soil, respectively, along with a mean soil microbial biomass of carbon value of 66.1 mg g−1 soil. The brinjal yield was maximal under treatment T4 with values of 389.2 q ha−1 and 153.7 q ha−1 for 2017 and 2018, respectively. As a result, for higher yields and soil longevity, the combination of organics and FLONFs can be advocated.

The effectiveness of liquid biofertilizer from waste bioconversion using black soldier fly larvae on the growth of arabica coffee seedlings

The organic waste treatment process using Black Soldier Larvae (BSF) produces liquid biofertilizer (LB) that contains functional microbes and macro and micronutrients that potentially can stimulate plant growth. The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of liquid biofertilizer from waste bioconversion by BSF on the growth of arabica coffee seedlings. The experiment used a randomized block design with 7 treatments, which consisted of: no treatment (control), 1.5% LB spraying, 3% LB spraying, 6% LB spraying, 3% LB watering, 6% LB watering, and 12% LB watering, with 4 replications and each replication containing 10 plants. All treatments were given once a month, to the 1-month-old seedlings. The test results showed that the application of LB significantly increased stem diameter and the number of leaves of Arabica coffee seedlings 4 months after application (MAA). In seedlings aged 4 MAA, spraying 6% LB resulted in the highest increase in stem diameter, while the highest number of leaves was obtained from watering 3% LB. Additionally, in 12 months old seedlings, Arabica coffee's highest fresh shoot weight was obtained by spraying 1.5% LB compared to other treatments.

Effect of different concentrations of bioslurry on the germination and production of tomato seedlings (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Tomato is one of the main horticultural products in Argentina. Its cultivation is intensive in the use of fertilizers and pesticides, which negatively impact the environment. The chemical fertilizers commonly used are, to some extent, gradually being replaced by liquid biofertilizers. A liquid biofertilizer (bioslurry) made from goat manure, fresh plant residues, and some mineral inputs was physicochemically characterized. To evaluate its effect on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) performance, two trials were conducted between October and November 2020: a seed germination test with increasing bioslurry dilutions (0 to 15%); and another trial in a greenhouse located in Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, to evaluate the effect of different doses of bioslurry (5, 10 and 15%), compared to a commercial fertilization plan for seedlings in plastic trays. The experimental design used was completely randomized plots in both cases. Bioslurry at concentrations above 5% negatively affected tomato seed germination. The biofertilizer achieved a nutritional effect on seedlings compared to the unfertilized control. However, this effect was inferior to the treatment with commercial fertilizers. It is advisable to initiate applications of bioslurry after seedlings have emerged. Further studies are needed on biofertilizer use concentrations, doses, application frequencies, and suitability for different crops. Also, to achieve the effect of a commercial fertilization program, it will be necessary to combine enriched bioslurry with other bio inputs that complement plant nutrition.

Vrikshayurveda –An ancient literature of liquid bio fertilizer preparation-a comparative review with modern perspective

Vrikshayurveda- is an ancient Vedic literature of India dealing with the agricultural practices of ancient India almost 1000 years ago. Several scholars of that period provided varied prescriptions regarding plant growth and development, plant protection, increased productivity etc. Vrikshayurveda was composed and compiled by several ancient authors from time to time during regime of various kings of greater India. This paper deals with three prescriptions of organic manure i.e., Kunapajala, Panchagavya, (the liquid biofertilizer) and Panchamula from the ancient literature and their formulations and nutritional analyses conducted by various modern researcher’s time to time. These organic manures improve the soil health and fertility, improve growth and development of crop plants and help to produce organic food free from unnecessary health hazards. Application of these liquid biofertilizers may decrease the amount of application of chemical fertilizers and their associated consequences in some extent though 100% replacement of chemical fertilization is not possible at this stage.

Fermented Liquid Biofertilizer from Banana Waste-A Value Added Product

As a remedy to meet the current alarming situation caused by chemical fertilizers, agricultural sectors are now refocusing on organic manure production from food waste. Banana wastes have potential biomass and nutrients which could be reutilized. This study aimed to assess the potential of fermented banana waste as a biofertilizer. Banana fruit waste was fermented using cow dung and cow urine. The Physico-chemical components, total bacterial load, phosphate solubilizers count, fecal coliforms count, and germination index of the prepared Fermented Banana Waste – Biofertilizer (FBW-B) was studied. pH of 6.72 and EC value of 19.41 ± 0.09 ms/cm were observed in Fermented Banana Waste - Biofertilizer (FBW-B). The mineral content of FBW-B was: total nitrogen (0.26 ± 0.001), phosphorus (0.35 ± 0.02), potassium (0.04 ± 0.00 %), calcium (2096 ± 12.08 mg/kg), magnesium (595 ± 4.23 mg/kg), sulphur (169 ± 10.7 mg/kg), iron (122.6 ± 0.92 mg/kg), zinc (8.38 ± 0.9 mg/kg), copper (2.41 ± 0.1 mg/kg), lead (4.34 ± 0.02 mg/kg) and manganese (9.83 ± 0.7 mg/kg). In the bacterial population, phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) in a considerable count were noted in FBW-B with the absence of fecal coliforms. Germination test shows that FBW-B has growth promotion potential after 50 fold dilution. The outcome of the study contributes to the development of organic liquid fertilizer from fruit waste and alleviates the effect of disposed of fruit waste and harmful effects of chemical fertilizers on the environment and humans.

Plant growth promoting activities and effect of fermented panchagavya isolate Klebsiella sp. PG-64 on Vigna radiata.

A natural bacterial isolate from fermented panchagavya named as PG-64, exhibits multiple plant growth-promoting traits. This Gram-negative bacteria was identified as Klebsiella sp. PG-64 by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The Klebsiella sp. PG-64 has shown production of indole acetic acid (106.0µg/ml), gibberellic acid (20.0µg/ml), ammonia (7.12µmol/ml), exopolysaccharide (2.04% w/v) and phosphate solubilization (106.0µg/ml). It produced 437µg/ml IAA with 0.75% (w/v) L-tryptophan supplementation and was increased to 575µg/ml in a laboratory-scale fermenter. The PG-64 has shown tolerance to abiotic stress conditions like pH (5.0-12.0), temperature (28-46°C), salt (0.5-10.0% w/v NaCl) and osmotic resistance (1-10% w/v PEG-6000). The PG-64 also produced 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase (0.3ng α-ketobutyrate/mg protein/h) indicating its potential for drought tolerance. Owing to its diverse properties, the effect of Klebsiella sp. PG-64 on Vigna radiata (Mung bean) was examined. The seeds treated with PG-64 culture showed 92% germination with a good seedling vigour index (202). In the pot study, Vigna radiata growth showed 2.23, 1.55, 2.00, 1.65, 1.73, 1.88, 5.00, 5.00, 1.57 times increase in primary root length, dry root weight, root hair numbers, leaf width, leaf numbers, leaf area, fruits number, flower number and chlorophyll content, respectively after 75days. The application of Klebsiella sp. PG-64 culture resulted in substantial growth enhancement of Vigna radiata. The Klebsiella sp. PG-64 has multiple plant growth-promoting properties along with capabilities to tolerate abiotic stresses, making it a promising liquid biofertilizer contender for various crops.

Production of Organic Liquid Biofertilizer from Fish Waste and Study of its Plant Growth Promoting Effect

Production of Organic Liquid Biofertilizer from Fish Waste and Study of its Plant Growth Promoting Effect

Physicochemical and Microbiological Analysis of Vermiwash as an Ecofriendly Soil Conditioner

The continuous use of chemical fertilizer is a leading cause of soil contamination and hence adversely affecting biodiversity. A more suitable alternative to these chemicals are natural organic fertilizers. One of these is vermiwash, a liquid plant growth promoter known to bring about growth enhancement in a wide variety of plants. Vermiwash is a brown colored, odorless, liquid biofertilizer which is collected after it passes through a column of worm culture. It is considered as a storehouse of nutrients and microorganisms and used as a foliar spray for crops. This work was carried out to study the microbiological and physicochemical properties of vermiwash of Eisenia foetida and its application. Vermiwash was produced in a 100 L barrel by adding pre-decomposed municipal wastes along with cow dung (3:1 ratio) and composted with E. foetida. The product was collected at regular intervals of 5 d up to 15 d and subjected to various assays. Higher number of bacteria, and fungi, such as Acromobacter (1.023 × 103), Azatobacter (1.04 × 103), Bacillus baccilli (1 × 103), Bacillus subtillus (1.05 × 103), Micrococcus sp (1.02 × 103), Pseudomonas sp (2 × 103), Actinomycetes (1.24 × 103), and fungus (1.8 × 103) CFU/mL were found in the collected liquid. Nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, iron, zinc, and manganese were also found in significant amounts due to earthworm activity. Field trials on Capsicum annum and Lycopersicum esculentum resulted in their enhanced growth. Hence, the high nutrient profile and microbial diversity of the vermiwash makes it a more suitable biofertilizer for enhancing plant growth and soil health.

Vermicomposting Tea a Potential Liquid Biofertilizer

Organic agriculture has become a rising topic nowadays for control of soil pollution, degradation and to ensure food security. Organic manures and bio fertilizers play a vital role in that process. Vermicomposting tea is a liquid organic bio fertilizer and it is composed of plant nutrient, plant hormone and microorganism (aerobic microorganisms) such as beneficial bacteria and fungi which enrich soil. Aerobic microorganisms present in vermicomposting tea helps in disease suppression and application of vermicomposting tea will promote plant growth. Vermicomposting tea can be defined as the mixture of aerobic microbes present in vermicomposting with aerated water. These characters of vermicomposting tea helps to use it as liquid biofertilizer, or can be used in biochar activation or charging and can be used as a substrate for hydrophonics system. Tea brewers are used to brew vermicomposting tea. Fresh vermicomposting tea contain more aerobic microbes but with the time the quality of tea become lower and need to add some materials like molasses, brown sugar and need frequent aeration as the aerated tea is more stabilized and give good results in crop production. There are several advantages of such as it is a liquid bio fertilizer which can easily apply, enrich soil with beneficial microbiota, great source of macro and micro nutrients, boosts rhizosphere microbial activity. The limitation is that difficulties in maintain quality while storage but it has great potential to be use in organic agriculture with low cost, eco-friendly and in an efficient way.

Earthworm Urine Used as Foliar Spray on Amaranthus hybridus (Green amaranth) Boosts Growth and Stimulates Stomata Opening

The advent of spray drones for agrochemical applications calls for continuous exploration of potentially affordable and sustainable liquid biofertilizers. Thus, we evaluated the effects of earthworm urine foliar spray on the growth performance (height, number of leaves, leaf area, stem girth) and stomata opening of Amaranthus hybridus (Green amaranth). Earthworm urine was obtained by placing 500 g of Libyodrilus violaceus in one litre of earthworm saline, for one hour. Amaranthus hybridus seeds were planted into 90 pots, divided into three treatment groups of 30 pots each. Upon germination, the first group was sprayed with earthworm urine, the second and third groups with saline water and ordinary water, respectively. Earthworm urine significantly (p < 0.05) increased all the measured growth parameters, and stimulated the opening of stomata, relative to saline water and ordinary water. This result is a strong indication that earthworm urine contains hormones that boost plant growth, and is potentially suitable for use as a liquid biofertilizer, for increased production of Amaranthus hybridus and related vegetables.