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Bacillus is a ubiquitous soil bacterium for its plant growth-promoting properties, and it is widely used as a biofertilizer. This research aimed to isolate and determine the morphology and biochemical properties associated with plant-growth promotion ability characterizing Bacillus strains. The bacteria were isolated from the rhizosphere of various highland vegetables grown in Andisols soil in Indonesia. Bacillus isolation was conducted using the serial dilution plate method by means of tryptic soy agar. Characterization of the isolated bacteria included Gram staining, biochemical characteristics, pathogenicity testing, and the production of metabolites, including organic acids, phytohormones, and exopolysaccharides. Four bacterial isolates were identified as Bacillus based on colony and cell morphology, the presence of endospore, as well as biochemical properties and metabolite production. The species determination by PCR amplification and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that the four Bacillus were identified as Bacillus safensis strain MDL5, Bacillus altitudinis strain RPW2, and Bacillus sp. strain SZ057. The study presents the occurrence of Bacillus within the rhizosphere of vegetables and the understanding of their properties being considered for biofertilizer development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to characterise biochar produced from various carbon sources. This study was conducted using a Nested De sign with three replications. Three carbon sources, rice husk (RH), corn co bs (CC), and bagasse sugarcane (BS) were pyrolysed for 2 hours at temper atures of 400, 500 and 600°C. The three types of biochar were then analyse d on their moisture content, ash content, fixed carbon content, volatile matt er, calorific value, particle size and elemental analysis results. The results of this study were that the temperature of pyrolysis at 600 °C can optimally produce biochar with the lowest moisture content, ash content and volatile matter value, and highest fixed carbon and calorific values. The particle siz e analysis shows that biochar produced using this optimum condition has the smallest average particle size distribution. The elemental analysis condu cted through Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray s pectroscopy (SEM-EDX) shows various elements in each biochar produce d from the three different carbon sources.