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Drought had affected the crops production in Morocco, during the last decade. Plants breeding is still a solution to increase crops tolerance for water scarcity. Using natural biofertilizer based on microorganisms still a good practice to enhance the resilience of agriculture to drought. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of water shortage and use of a biofertilizer based on the strain of Pseudomonas putida on five genotypes of eggplants selected for drought tolerance under the semi-arid of the northeast of Morocco. Two irrigations regimes: 100% (amount of water irrigation made by growers) and 50% of this amount with and without the biofertilizer (1 × 108 UFC/g). The biofertilizer was applied three times during the plant growth stages. The experiment was conducted at commercial farm production and using a randomized complete block design. Plants were organized in blocks containing 3 plants for each genotype and repeated in 5 repetitions. Crops were planted on August 3rd, 2022, and experiments ended on January 2nd, 2023. The results showed different responses among the genotypes in terms of growth. The effect of Pseudomonas on plant height showed that there was a significant increase, at 100% irrigation for C14, B3, C8, B5 and C11 with 20%, 19%, 17%, 14.29% and 12,5%, respectively compared with the control. For C8 and B3, when subjected to 100% water with biofertilizer, there was an increase in the average number of fruits compared to 100% water without the biofertilizer. The highest yield was recorded with B5 under 100% irrigation + fertilizer (1.35 kg/plant). Water shortage impacted the productivity of all genotypes and the fruit number and yield increased with the use of the biofertilizer. Our study is still valuable under the conditions of this trial and more experiments will be needed at several seasons and at different growing conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soilless production systems (i.e hydroponics, aeroponics, aquaponics) have become commonplace in urban settings and controlled environments. They are efficient nutrient recyclers, space savers, and water conservers. However, they lack high levels of biological richness in the root microbiome when compared to soil production systems, which may affect plant health and nutrient uptake. To address this issue and incorporate more sustainable practices, beneficial microorganisms (i.e. Trichoderma spp., Bacillus sp.) can be added in the form of biofertilizers. However, many factors affect impacts of microorganisms and their interactions with plants. In this experiment, Black Summer Pac Choi (Brassica rapa var. Chinensis) was grown for two trials in a Deep-Water system (DWS) or a Nutrient Film Technique system (NFT) with commercial biofertilizers containing Trichoderma spp., Bacillus amyloliquefaciens , a combination of both, and a control. Plant physiology, nutrient composition, and nutrient uptake efficiency (NUE) were generally negatively affected by Trichoderma spp. both growing systems, indicating that Trichoderma may not be recommended for hydroponic production. However, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens showed promise as an effective biofertilizer in the NFT systems and had a positive influence on NUE in DWS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most significant crops and the backbone of food security worldwide. However, low wheat production remains a substantial concern in global agricultural systems. It can be attributed to several factors, including adverse climatic conditions, plant disease and poor soil quality. Recent efforts have explored bioinoculant applications as a promising approach to enhance wheat yield, trying to mitigate constraints essential for future wheat production and global food security. This study tested talc powder, wheat biochar, sugarcane bagasse biochar, and farmyard manure as carriers with two endophytic bacterial strains, Burkholderia phytofirmans PsJN and Bacillus spp. MN54 was applied to three wheat varieties (Ujala-16, Zincol-16, and Fathejang-16). The data was recorded at the seedling and maturity growth stages of plants. A pot experiment revealed significant improvements in plant growth following bioinoculant application compared to controls. Notably, the combination of sugarcane bagasse biochar with Bacillus sp. MN54 exhibited the most pronounced effects, promoting internodal length, spike length, tiller number per plant, grain yield per plant, and spikelets per spike. Additionally, talc powder with Bacillus sp. MN54 increased peduncle length, tiller number per plant, and spike length in Fathejang-16. These findings offer valuable insights into optimizing bioinoculant formulations for improved agricultural practices, adapting to climate change, and contributing to ensuring global food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Potential plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria screened from tomato rhizosphere soil. • Biochemical and molecular characterization of selected four isolates were done and taxonomy identified. • Plant growth promoting traits of the candidate strains were evaluated both at laboratory and greenhouse level. • Greenhouse trail and symbiotic effectiveness of the strains conducted using tomato as host plant. • To improve tomato-strain interaction different possible phosphorus sources were added. Numerous phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) are found in the rhizosphere, benefiting the host plant in different mechanisms and promoting sustainable agriculture. They improve soil fertility with minimum cost requirements using an eco-friendly approach, which is an essential attribute for small-scale farm production. Thus, isolation, characterization, and evaluation of symbiotic effectiveness are hierarchical procedures to develop bioinoculants. Using a dual (plate and liquid medium) screening technique and a greenhouse trial, four potential PSB strains (Mk-1–25, Mk-13–16, Mk-20–7, and Mk-20–20) were selected from tomato rhizosphere soil. All isolates exhibited the following traits: produced colony clear-zone, lowered liquid medium pH, gram-positive, produced urease and IAA, dissolved substantial P from various substrates, symbiotically effective, and improved tomato growth and yield. Taxonomically, they belong to Bacillus and Priestia species (i.e., Mk-1–25 Bacillus halotolerance, Mk-13–16 Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Mk-20–7 Bacillus megaterium, and Mk-20–20 Priestia megaterium). Among the current strains, Bacillus halotolerance recorded higher SI (3.11), was able to grow in extreme conditions (10% salt, up to 45 °C), produced HCN and siderophore, and improved tomatoes' shoot length and weight, in contrast, Mk-20–20 produced HCN, siderophore, was able to fix nitrogen, improved tomato germination, shoot dry weight, and fruit weight. Various P-supplements (Ca 3 (PO 4) 2 , bonemeal, FePO 4 , AlPO 4 , compost, and DAP fertilizer) were added to induce tomato-strain symbiotic interaction; hence, compost substantially promoted the interaction and resulted in higher symbiotic effectiveness. Ca 3 (PO 4) 2 was a good media composite preferred by most PSB strains; consequently, a higher concentration (219 µg/ml) of dissolved P was recorded from the liquid medium after 10 days of incubation than other substrates. Based on the data obtained from laboratory and greenhouse trials, the current strains were found to be potential candidate. Future work should confirm their efficacy at the field level using model host crops at different sites to recommend them as farm inputs and biofertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ensuring food security for the world's growing population while advancing sustainable agriculture and reducing conventional fertilizer use is a major challenge. The objective of this research was to comparatively evaluate the effect of microalgae biomass biofertilizer, derived from the production of Arthrospira platensis DHR 20 (Spirulina) in cattle wastewater under organic management (CW), on the development of arugula. It also examined the microbiological attributes of arugula leaves and the changes in soil chemical properties and structural composition of the soil post-experiment. The experiment consisted of three treatments: T1 – control, with urea application; T2 – CW; T3 – microalgae biofertilizer. The experimental design was completely randomized with seven replications and four plants per plot. The main conclusion of this research is that microalgae biomass biofertilizer presents nutritional potential for arugula, particularly as a source of N (187.5 mg L−1) and K (92.9 mg L−1), and can replace conventional urea fertilizer as a nitrogen source in the cultivation of arugula, with similar plant development quality according to the Dickson Quality Index. According to the SAR, the microalgae biomass biofertilizer and CW do not present soil sodicity restrictions and show a low to moderate level of restriction for soil use in terms of salinity. The average biofixation rate of 0.22 CO2 L−1 d−1 obtained in the study suggests that Spirulina cultivation in CW is suitable for this greenhouse gas biofixation. Leaves from the three treatment groups yielded negative results for the presence of thermotolerant coliforms. Both microalgae biofertilizer and CW acted as soil conditioners, improving its structural quality when compared to soil fertilized with urea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is an important cereal crop grown in arid and semiarid regions where water and other resources are limited. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns have resulted in frequent droughts, which caused significant yield loss in sorghum. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in sorghum cultivation due to its resilience to climate change and potential source of food and income. The symbiotic interaction of sorghum with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) has been found to induce several physiological and molecular changes that improve the ability of sorghum to withstand drought stress. This symbiotic relationship enhances water and nutrient uptake, osmotic adjustment, activation of stress‐responsive genes, stomatal regulation, and antioxidant defense, leading to improved drought tolerance in sorghum. Agricultural practices such as reduced tillage, cover cropping, intercropping, crop rotation, and the use of organic amendments promote the diversity and effectiveness of AM fungal symbiosis. Such agricultural practices create more favorable conditions for AM fungal establishment and growth while reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers. In this review, we highlight AM fungal symbiosis on sorghum growth, physiology, and molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of AM fungal symbiosis under moisture deficit conditions. Overall, the present review elucidates sorghum production and breeding success in Ethiopia, the symbiotic mechanisms between plants and AM fungi, the prospects of biofertilizers in sustainable agriculture, the potential of AM fungal symbiosis as a sustainable approach to improve sorghum production and its synergistic effect with other crop management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recurring use of chemical fertilizers (CFs) in agriculture has resulted the remarkable improvement in crop productivity but their ruinous effects on environment have made a serious issue. Biological entities (e.g., several microorganisms) showing fertilizer‐like activities have gained attention in this regard. Several soil resident microorganisms interact strongly with neighboring plants and promote the growth and development of those plants through various means. In exchange of this, microbes utilize different compounds released from plant roots for their own nutrition. This mutualistic mode of interrelation predominantly relies on the transmission of signals from microbes to plants and vice versa. However, climatic factors (e.g., CO2 level, temperature, and water availability) are also important for this association. These bacterial strains are literally known as plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) which facilitate plant growth through nitrogen fixation, mineral solubilization, phytostimulation, stress resistance, etc. Responding to the external environmental stimuli, they often modulate the expression of genes responsible for the transport of nutrients. Reduction of the use of CFs through the application of PGPR strains in the cultivation of some economically important plants has been reported by several authors. Significant yield improvement compared to the control groups was found in all experimental studies. Commercial development of the PGPR inoculants with remarkable biostimulating activities and their successive application should be expanded through collaborative association with different sectors after the removal of existing lacunae. Reading more than 100 articles on various aspects of rhizobacteria, the plan of writing this article has been executed. In this review, we have discussed about the colonization and potency of PGPR strains and how their well‐planned application in agriculture could evidently reinforce the global economy. The main structure of this text is designed as an outline from the development of interrelation between plants and PGPR to the commercialization of PGPR based on their potential role in the field of agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorus optimization is essential to maximize seed-size potato productivity and reduce the occurrence of over-sized and under-sized tubers. A field experiment was conducted for two years at the two locations in Punjab, India to investigate the effects of organic and inorganic phosphorus management on seed potato productivity. The experiment was conducted in a split-plot design with three organic (farmyard manure, biofertilizer, and control) treatments in main plots and five fertilizer phosphorus (0, 46.9, 62.5, 93.8, and 125 kg/ha P2O5) treatments in subplots. The application of farmyard manure (50 t/ha) resulted in a significant increase in growth and yield attributes, tuber yield, seed size (3.5–4.5 cm) tuber number, and economic returns. The percentage increase in seed size tuber number and tuber yield with farmyard manure over the control was 36.6% and 29.3%, respectively. Among the fertilizer phosphorus levels, the highest growth attributes, tuber yield, seed size tuber number and economic returns were obtained with a 125 kg/ha. The application of 125 kg/ha fertilizer phosphorus resulted in a 36.3% and 23.0% (mean) increase in seed size tuber number and tuber yield compared to the unfertilized phosphorus (0 kg/ha). No significant organic sources x fertilizer phosphorus levels interaction effects were found on any of the traits evaluated at both locations. The result of this study indicates that P management can play an important role in increasing seed size and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combined application of chemical fertilizers and organic material is a transitional approach toward more sustainable and productive farming. This study aimed to investigate the response of low chemical fertilizer rates and supplementing with organic materials on soil health and fruit quality. In plum orchard, combination of reduced chemical fertilizer rates (R80; R70; R60) with organic manures (F; V) at varying levels based the loss in nitrogen requirement and microbial inoculants (Bf; J) were studied over the conventional approach (R100) on soil health and fruit quality in a 2-year experiment. Soil analysis showed soil physico-chemical properties and enzymes activity with application of R70+V10+Bf. Compared to integrated treatments R100 saw highest availability of soil potassium and calcium. Application of R70+V10+J resulted in maximum improvement in fruit weight, TSS and soluble sugar content. Fruit set percentage was higher in treatment R70+V10+Bf. Fruit yield showed significant changes with treatments R70+V10+Bf and R70+V10+J having similar yield to R100. Our results suggest that by reducing the amount of chemical fertilizer by 30% and partially replacing it with organic materials had a positive effect on soil health without affecting the fruit production and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to global agricultural challenges, this review examines the synergistic impact of bioslurry and biogenic nanoparticles on soil amelioration. Bioslurry, rich in N, P, K and beneficial microorganisms, combined with zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized through eco-friendly methods, demonstrates remarkable soil improvement capabilities. Their synergistic effects include enhanced nutrient availability through increased soil enzymatic activities, improved soil structure via stable aggregate formation, stimulated microbial activity particularly beneficial groups, enhanced water retention due to increased organic matter and modified soil surface properties and reduced soil pH fluctuations. These mechanisms significantly impact soil physico-chemical properties including cation exchange capacity, electrical conductivity and nutrient dynamics. This review analyses these effects and their implications for sustainable agricultural practices, focusing on crop yield improvements, reduced chemical fertilizer dependence and enhanced plant stress tolerance. Knowledge gaps such as long-term nanoparticle accumulation effects and impacts on non-target organisms are identified. Future research directions include optimizing bioslurry-nanoparticle ratios for various soil types and developing "smart" nanoparticle-enabled biofertilizers with controlled release properties. This innovative approach contributes to environmentally friendly farming practices, potentially enhancing global food security and supporting sustainable agriculture transitions. The integration of bioslurry and biogenic nanoparticles presents a promising solution to soil degradation and agricultural sustainability challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a serious pest of maize in the USA and Europe. Microbial plant biostimulants such as bacteria, fungi, and algae are designed to stimulate plant nutrition and growth, with some hypothesized to also possess insecticidal properties. We tested 10 biostimulants (four bacteria, five fungi, and one alga) under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Most biostimulants did not affect the eggs, larvae, or adults of D.v. virgifera. However, in the laboratory, 10% of biostimulants improved egg hatching, and 40% killed some larvae, including the fungi Beauveria bassiana, Rhizophagus irregularis, and Trichoderma asperellum, and the bacterium Ensifer meliloti. Under potted-plant conditions in the greenhouse, these insecticidal effects were not detectable. However, several biostimulants slightly increased height and shoot length of uninfested maize plants, but reduced volume and length of their roots as well as above-ground biomass. Interestingly, 30% of the biostimulants enhanced the plant's defence against larvae, for example, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, B. subtilis, and E. meliloti. These may warrant further research into their modes of action as well as field trials to better understand and optimize their potential use in sustainable and integrated pest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water shortage is the most critical abiotic stress and adversely impacts crop growth and productivity. Biofertilizers are an environmentally friendly method for sustainable agricultural development and improving plant water deficit tolerance. The effects of biological and chemical fertilizers on yield, yield components, and nutrient absorption of chickpea plants were studied in 2018 and 2019. The main plots were assigned to the irrigation levels [80% (I80) and 50% (I50)] and the subplot was assigned to 13 fertilizer combinations including free-living N-fixing bacteria (NB), potassium solubilizing bacteria (KB), phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PB), common chickpea nutrition program (F; NPK chemical fertilizer), and their combination. The results showed that shoot phosphorus content was increased by 80% when F + NPB (NPK chemical fertilizer and N + P biofertilizers) was applied at I80 compared with the control at I50. Furthermore, I80 and the application of PKB (P + K biofertilizers) and NPKB (N + P + K biofertilizers) obtained the highest shoot K and N concentrations, respectively. The NPKF + B-treated plants (N + P + K chemical fertilizer and N + P + K biofertilizers) demonstrated superior growth attributes such as plant height and the number of sub-branches at I80. The highest grain yield was obtained from the NPKF + B treatment at I80, which was 7.1-fold higher compared with the control at I50. In general, the combined application of biochemical fertilizers mitigated the adverse effect of water deficit and improved nutrient absorption and chickpea yield. The use of biochemical fertilizers can be efficient in reducing the consumption of chemical fertilizers and achieving sustainable agricultural goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of biofertilizers is becoming an economical and environmentally friendly alternative to promote sustainable agriculture. Biochar from microalgae/cyanobacteria can be applied to enhance the productivity of food crops through soil improvement, slow nutrient absorption and release, increased water uptake, and long-term mitigation of greenhouse gas sequestration. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the stimulatory effects of biochar produced from Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) biomass on the development and seed production of rice plants. Biochar was produced by slow pyrolysis at 300°C, and characterization was performed through microscopy, chemical, and structural composition analyses. Molecular and physiological analyses were performed in rice plants submitted to different biochar concentrations (0.02, 0.1, and 0.5 mg mL-1) to assess growth and productivity parameters. Morphological and physicochemical characterization revealed a heterogeneous morphology and the presence of several minerals (Na, K, P, Mg, Ca, S, Fe, and Si) in the biochar composition. Chemical modification of compounds post-pyrolysis and a highly porous structure with micropores were observed. Rice plants submitted to 0.5 mg mL-1 of biochar presented a decrease in root length, followed by an increase in root dry weight. The same concentration influenced seed production, with an increase of 44% in the number of seeds per plant, 17% in the percentage of full seeds per plant, 12% in the weight of 1,000 full seeds, 53% in the seed weight per plant, and 12% in grain area. Differential proteomic analyses in shoots and roots of rice plants submitted to 0.5 mg mL-1 of biochar for 20 days revealed a fine-tuning of resource allocation towards seed production. These results suggest that biochar derived from Arthrospira platensis biomass can stimulate rice seed production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human population is expanding at an exponential rate, and has created a great surge in the demand for food production. To intensify the rate of crop production, there is a tremendous usage of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. The practice of using these chemicals to enhance crop productivity has resulted in the degradation of soil fertility, leading to the depletion of native soil microflora. The constant application of these hazardous chemicals in the soil possesses major threat to humans and animals thereby impacting the agroecosystem severely. Hence, it is very important to hunt for certain new alternatives for enhancing crop productivity in an eco-friendly manner by using the microbial bioformulations. Microbial bioformulations can be mainly divided into two types: solid and liquid. There is a lot of information available on the subject of solid bioformulation, but the concept of liquid bioformulation is largely ignored. This article focuses on the diverse spectrum of liquid bioformulation pertaining to the market capture, its different types, potency of the product, mode of usage, and the limitations encountered. Also the authors have tried to include all the strategies required for sensitizing and making liquid bioformulation approach cost effective and as a greener strategy to succeed in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture is essential for nutrition and the global economy, becoming increasingly important due to population growth and higher food demand. This situation boosts interest in creating bioproducts that enhance productivity sustainably while reducing environmental issues and strain on natural resources. Bioinoculants are important innovations that use beneficial microorganisms to boost crop growth and resilience. They enhance the interaction between soil and plants by solubilizing essential nutrients and producing phytohormones. This not only boosts agricultural productivity but also promotes environmentally sustainable practices by decreasing reliance on chemical fertilizers. Considering the relevance of this subject to advances in agro-industrial biotechnology, this review analyzes recent studies and patent advances on the production and use of bioinoculants, as well as their integration into agricultural practices and plant development. It also explores the dynamics of production and downstream processes on an industrial scale, regulations in different countries, and growing market demands, which is an important feature of this review. Furthermore, future perspectives for the application of bioinoculants in agro-industrial biotechnology are discussed, emphasizing the critical role that these biological agents play in advancing agricultural sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitin is the most abundant natural polysaccharide and is produced annually almost as much as cellulose. Chitin is deactylated to obtain chitosan. It has become of great interest not only as an underutilized resource, but also as a new functional material of high potential in various fields. Exoskeletons of shrimp were used for chitin extraction and chitosan was obtained by deacetylation. Physiochemical analysis and applications of chitin and chitosan were studied. Physiochemical analysis such as determination of moisture content, organic matter and organic carbon, degree of deacetylation of chitosan and FTIR analysis were carried out. Chitin as a biofertilizer in plant growth analysis, use of chitosan in food preservation and as an adsorbent for dye removal were also studied. The results obtained indicate that shrimp shell waste can be a valuable resource for Chitin and Chitosan and further these biopolymers can be used for their varied appicatios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current agriculture intensifies crop cultivation to meet food demand, leading to unsustainable use of chemical fertilizers. This study investigates a few physiological and agronomic responses of common wheat following the inoculation with plant growth-promoting bacteria to reduce nitrogen inputs. A field trial was conducted in 2022–2023, in Legnago (Verona, Italy) on Triticum aestivum var. LG-Auriga comparing full (180 kg ha−1) and reduced (130 kg ha−1) N doses, both with and without foliar application at end tillering of the N-fixing bacterium Methylobacterium symbioticum. Biofertilization did not improve shoot growth, while it seldom increased the root length density in the arable layer. It delayed leaf senescence, prolonged photosynthetic activity, and amplified stomatal conductance and PSII efficiency under the reduced N dose. Appreciable ACC-deaminase activity of such bacterium disclosed augmented nitrogen retrieval and reduced ethylene production, explaining the ameliorated stay-green. Yield and test weight were unaffected by biofertilization, while both glutenin-to-gliadin and HMW-to-LMW ratios increased together with dough tenacity. It is concluded that Methylobacterium symbioticum can amplify nitrogen metabolism at a reduced nitrogen dose, offering a viable approach to reduce chemical fertilization under suboptimal growing conditions for achieving a more sustainable agriculture. Further research over multiple growing seasons and soil types is necessary to corroborate these preliminary observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Bionanofertilizers are promising eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers, leveraging nanotechnology and biotechnology to enhance nutrient uptake by plants and improve soil health. They consist of nanoscale materials and beneficial microorganisms, offering benefits such as enhanced seed germination, improved soil quality, increased nutrient use efficiency, and pesticide residue degradation, ultimately leading to improved crop productivity. Bionanofertilizers are designed for targeted delivery of nutrients, controlled release, and minimizing environmental pollutants, making them a sustainable option for agriculture. These fertilizers also have the potential to enhance plant growth, provide disease resistance, and contribute to sustainable farming practices. The development of bionanofertilizers addresses the adverse environmental impact of chemical fertilizers, offering a safer and productive means of fertilization for agricultural practices. This review provides substantial evidence supporting the potential of bionanofertilizers in revolutionizing agricultural practices, offering eco-friendly and sustainable solutions for crop management and soil health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study has isolated, characterized, and identified potential plant growthpromoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) with multiple PGP characteristics (N2-fixation, P- and K-solubilization, IAA, and siderophores production) from the rhizosphere BRIS soil of Acacia mangium. A total of 24 pure colonies were isolated and only 8 colonies were selected for further evaluation of the growth rate in 5% organic molasses medium supplemented with 2% KNO3. Based on the biochemical, potential PGP characteristics and growth performance, 3 superior PGPR strains were selected and identified as Paraburkholderia unamae (UA1), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (UA6), and Enterobacter asburiae (UAA2) by partial sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The selected bacterial strains either in single or mixed (UA1 + UA6 + UAA2) cultures have shown a significant biochemical estimation of the PGP characteristics. Each strain has its own PGPR traits superiority with UA1 showing the best PGP characteristic followed by UA6 and UAA2. The use of mixed bacterial strains was beneficial as it showed the best performance in N2-fixation, siderophores production, and significant effect on corn phenology, growth and yield compared to using a single strain. These types of microbes showed potential to be used as biofertilizer and should be exploited more. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive use of inorganic fertilizers disrupts soil nutrient balance and leads to soil degradation and a decrease in biodiversity. In contrast, bio-fertilizers enhance soil structure and fertility and promote plant growth and sustainable agriculture development. Therefore, this study focused on a rotation system of winter wheat and summer maize and aimed to explore the effects of applying chemical fertilizer (NPK) and bio-fertilizer (BF) in the winter wheat season on the sustainable soil development of current wheat and subsequent maize. Before sowing winter wheat four fertilization treatments were, respectively CK (100% NPK at 750 kg ha−1), A (60% NPK at 450 + 20% BF at 150 kg ha−1), B (60% NPK at 450 + 40% BF at 300 kg ha−1), and C (60% NPK at 450 + 60% BF at 450 kg ha−1), conducted. The results showed that treatment A (60% NPK + 20% BF) replacing the NPK at 300 kg ha−1 with BF at 150 kg ha−1 significantly soil nutrient contents, enzyme activity, and microbial metabolic activity. The study also found a positive correlation between soil parameters (total nitrogen, alkaline nitrogen, available phosphorus, organic matter, urease, and alkaline phosphatase in the winter wheat and maize cropping season). Furthermore, the soil microbial composition showed significant enrichment of Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes, and variations among treatments. Moreover, the application of biofertilizer enhanced the diversity of soil fungi species, particularly during the winter wheat season. This study highlights the importance of integrating biofertilizers with NPK fertilizer for agricultural system conversion and promoting agricultural production and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the increase due to the rise in the high yielding verities led to the high-rate application of chemicals and pesticides in the soil. These chemical fertilizers give great responses to the farmers on a short-term basis, but in the long term, they harm the soil and human health by interfering in the food chain. The use of biofertilizers is a very good alternative for crop production in a sustainable and environment-friendly manner. Numerous bacteria and fungi can be used as biofertilizers for making the essential nutrients available to the plants which are associated with the rhizosphere of different crops, either symbiotically or non-symbiotically. Zinc plays a vital role in crop growth and achieving a great yield among the various macro and micronutrients. Zinc is responsible for Auxin synthesis, chlorophyll formation, protein metabolism, carbohydrate fixation, disease and stress tolerance. Zn deficiency is a global issue that gradually lowers crop output and productivity. Using zinc solubilizing microorganisms is one of the most effective sustainable approaches to achieving higher yield and restoring soil productivity. These microorganisms solubilize the available zinc pool in the soil so plants can easily uptake zinc. Bacillus subtilis, Thiobacillus thioxidans, Rhizobium, Pantoea sp., Gluconacetobacter, Saccharomyces sp. and PGPR (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria) are involved in zinc solubilizing process and boost the soluble zinc in the soil. Using zinc solubilizers can reduce the fertilizer requirement of the crop to about 25-50% in combination with inorganic zinc fertilizers, so it reduces overall fertilizer cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to investigate the effectiveness of chicken feather hydrolysate for promoting the growth of Spinacia oleracea L., a commonly consumed leafy green vegetable. An earlier isolated and identified keratinolytic bacterial species Bacillus tropicus was utilized for the preparation of chicken feather hydrolysate through submerged fermentation. Minimal media which was supplemented with chicken feather was used for the preparation of hydrolysate. The bacterial strain degraded chicken feather within 4 days of incubation after which the feather hydrolysate was collected and tested to check plant growth promoting activity through the seed germination trials and greenhouse study. Upon characterization of feather hydrolysate, it was found that the hydrolysate was a cocktail of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (NPK) as well as other micro elements needed for plant growth. Four different concentrations of feather hydrolysate were employed for both the seed germination and greenhouse study which ranged from 25% (v/v), 30% (v/v), 35% (v/v) and 40% (v/v) including a control group (CN) which was not supplemented with feather hydrolysate. The hydrolysate supplementation brought about plant growth in all the four test concentrations with 35% (v/v) giving the highest result of 14 cm and 27.6 mg/g for tested parameters like plumule length and total chlorophyll content, respectively. The same concentration supported maximum seed germination and highest radicle extension for the germination studies as well. This study investigates the efficacy of chicken feather hydrolysate in promoting spinach growth, elucidating its potential as a fertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Millions of people around the world have iron deficiency, which is one of several important nutritional disorders. Despite recent advances in the prevention and treatment of these deficiencies, it is estimated that over two billion individuals worldwide are at risk for vitamin A, iodine, and/or iron insufficiency. Many major health concerns can result from micronutrient deficits. Lack of iron, folate, B12, and A may cause anemia. Anemia causes weariness, weakness, breathlessness, and disorientation due to low red blood cell or hemoglobin levels. Biofortification, a way to make staple foods with more micronutrients, could help lower malnutrition. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can boost the amount of iron in edible plant tissues by making it easier for iron to get to those tissues. A pot experiment was conducted at ISES, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, to evaluate the impact of well-characterized rhizobacterial strains (Acinetobacter calcoaceticus and Bacillus simplex) alone and in combination with L-tryptophan (a plant growth regulator (PGR)) on agronomic, tuber, and nutritional attributes of potato. Results revealed that inoculation significantly enhanced the iron content of potato tubers compared to control plants. When rhizobacteria, L-tryptophan, and iron were added to the soil, the number of tubers grew by 68.24% compared to the control plants where neither PGPR nor PGR was applied. Biofortifying potatoes with microbes can help people get more micronutrients, especially in countries with few resources. These results showed that PGPR can help plants get more Fe from the soil if more Fe is added to the soil. These results provide support for the hypothesis that microbial aided biofortification in crops might reduce human micronutrient insufficiency, particularly in areas with little resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microalgae have unique properties that allow them to thrive in unconventional spaces, making them suitable for areas that are not normally suitable for crop growth. This is due to their ability to multiply rapidly, grow easily and adapt to different environments at low cost. As a result, the present study aims to analyze the potential of microalgae as a source of agricultural nutrition, as well as the health benefits they can provide. The following research was conducted on an experimental scale using a closed system (photobioreactor) for the cultivation of microalgae, its physicochemical characterization of the cultures and dry biomass. It can be observed the percentages of 11 N; 1.4 P; 0.3 K and its micronutrients are essential for plant growth, since microalgae-based biofertilizers are considered as a sustainable, cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers. The use of microalgae biomass as a biofertilizer in agriculture can increase fertility, reduce soil erosion and nutrient loss, and improve soil quality over time. It also benefits plants, vegetables and greens, as it contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, which are necessary for growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The booming consciousness of the problems associated with biodegradable solid waste generation has driven the globe for the reutilization of organic waste wherever it is generated, lowering trash volumes and transportation costs. The present study deals with the zero waste approach that endorses the fostering of sustainable long-term socio-economic and environmental benefits by transforming biodegradable solid waste into biofertilizers. A novel consolidated bioprocessing approach is adopted which in particular relates to the hydrolysis of biodegradable municipal solid waste by hydrolytic enzymes produced by Aspergillus niger S-30 and the growth of biofertilizer non-pathogenic strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae AP-407 in nutrients present in the hydrolysate to prepare liquid biofertilizer and carrier-based solid biofertilizer formulations with 1.03 × 1012 cfu/ml and 1.03 × 1012 cfu/g, respectively. Furthermore, the formulations significantly enhanced the % oxidizable organic carbon, available phosphate (P2O5), available potassium (K2O), ammonical nitrogen (NH3-N), and nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N) in soil and chlorophyll content of plant leaves of Brassica juncea. It is further appreciated that the process is economically attractive as no exogenous enzyme loadings are required, no exogenous carrier substance is added, and the entire process is carried out in a single fermenter vessel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Codonopsis pilosula, commonly known as Dangshen, is a valuable medicinal plant, but its slow growth and susceptibility to environmental stress pose challenges for its cultivation. In pursuit of sustainable agricultural practices to enhance the yield and quality of Dangshen, the present study isolated a bacterial strain exhibiting plant growth-promoting potential from the rhizosphere of C. pilosula. This strain was subsequently identified as Bacillus licheniformisYB06. Assessment of its plant growth-promoting attributes revealed the potential of B. licheniformis YB06 as a biofertilizer. Whole-genome sequencing of B. licheniformis YB06 revealed a genome size of 4,226,888 bp with a GC content of 46.22%, harboring 4325 predicted protein-coding sequences. Genomic analysis of B. licheniformis YB06 revealed a diverse array of genes linked to induced systemic resistance (ISR) and plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits, encompassing phytohormone production, nitrogen assimilation and reduction, siderophore biosynthesis, phosphate solubilization, biofilm formation, synthesis of PGP-related amino acids, and flagellar motility. Seed germination assays demonstrated the positive effects of B. licheniformis YB06 on the germination and growth of C. pilosula seedlings. Furthermore, we explored various fertilization regimes, particularly the B. licheniformis YB06-based biofertilizer, were investigated for their impact on the structure and diversity of the C. pilosula rhizosphere soil bacterial community. Our findings revealed that fertilization significantly impacted soil bacterial composition and diversity, with the combined application of B. licheniformis YB06-based biofertilizer and organic fertilizer exhibiting a particularly pronounced enhancement of rhizosphere bacterial community structure and diversity. This study represents the first report on the beneficial effects of B. licheniformis YB06 on both the growth of C. pilosula and the composition of its rhizosphere soil microbial community. These findings provide a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for the development of novel bio-organic compound fertilizers, thereby contributing to the sustainable cultivation of C. pilosula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The productivity and quality of agricultural crops worldwide are adversely affected by disease outbreaks and inadequate nutrient availability. Of particular concern is the potential increase in mycotoxin prevalence due to crop diseases, which poses a threat to food security. Microorganisms with multiple functions have been favored in sustainable agriculture to address such challenges. Aspergillus flavus is a prevalent aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-producing fungus in China. Therefore, we wanted to obtain an anti-aflatoxigenic bacterium with potent mycotoxin detoxification ability and other beneficial properties. In the present study, we have isolated an anti-aflatoxigenic strain, BC11-1, of Burkholderia contaminans, from a forest rhizosphere soil sample obtained in Luzhou, Sichuan Province, China. We found that it possesses several beneficial properties, as follows: (1) a broad spectrum of antifungal activity but compatibility with Trichoderma species, which are themselves used as biocontrol agents, making it possible to use in a biocontrol mixture or individually with other biocontrol agents in an integrated management approach; (2) an exhibited mycotoxin detoxification capacity with a degradation ratio of 90% for aflatoxin B1 and 78% for zearalenone, suggesting its potential for remedial application; and (3) a high ability to solubilize phosphorus and produce cytokinin production, highlighting its potential as a biofertilizer. Overall, the diverse properties of BC11-1 render it a beneficial bacterium with excellent potential for use in plant disease protection and mycotoxin prevention and as a biofertilizer. Lastly, a pan-genomic analysis suggests that BC11-1 may possess other undiscovered biological properties, prompting further exploration of the properties of this unique strain of B. contaminans. These findings highlight the potential of using the anti-aflatoxigenic strain BC11-1 to enhance disease protection and improve soil fertility, thus contributing to food security. Given its multiple beneficial properties, BC11-1 represents a valuable microbial resource as a biocontrol agent and biofertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most significant crops and the backbone of food security worldwide. However, low wheat production remains a substantial concern in global agricultural systems. It can be attributed to several factors, including adverse climatic conditions, plant disease and poor soil quality. Recent efforts have explored bioinoculant applications as a promising approach to enhance wheat yield, trying to mitigate constraints essential for future wheat production and global food security. This study tested talc powder, wheat biochar, sugarcane bagasse biochar, and farmyard manure as carriers with two endophytic bacterial strains, Burkholderia phytofirmans PsJN and Bacillus spp. MN54 was applied to three wheat varieties (Ujala-16, Zincol-16, and Fathejang-16). The data was recorded at the seedling and maturity growth stages of plants. A pot experiment revealed significant improvements in plant growth following bioinoculant application compared to controls. Notably, the combination of sugarcane bagasse biochar with Bacillus sp. MN54 exhibited the most pronounced effects, promoting internodal length, spike length, tiller number per plant, grain yield per plant, and spikelets per spike. Additionally, talc powder with Bacillus sp. MN54 increased peduncle length, tiller number per plant, and spike length in Fathejang-16. These findings offer valuable insights into optimizing bioinoculant formulations for improved agricultural practices, adapting to climate change, and contributing to ensuring global food security.

In recent years the question about organic cultivation of crops is becoming more popular. It means, that farmers which want to use organic products and grow crops it sustainable way have to follow certain rules. So, the aim of our study was to estimate effect of seed inoculation and foliar fertilization of corn by special fertilizer products with microorganisms that certified Organic standard. Therefore, corn seeds were treated by biofertilizers in liquid (Leanum) and powdered (Vitamin O7) forms and then sown in the field conditions. During summer period, plants were treated by liquid fertilizer one or two times. Also, impact of the soil tillage was studied. Research was conducted on the effects of cultivation at depths of 15–18 and 5–8 cm, as well as plowing and flat–cutting cultivation at depths of 25–28 cm. It was found that fertilization impacted on corn yield and grain quality – protein, ash and starch content. Usage of seed inoculants and foliar fertilization in generally leads to increase yield but at different levels. Protein and oil content had a weak positive correlation with applied fertilizers on the background of flat–cut tillage.

Abstract Perennial grains, which remain productive for multiple years, rather than growing for only one season before harvest, have deep, dense root systems that can support a richness of beneficial microorganisms, which are mostly underexplored. In this work we isolated forty-three bacterial strains associated with the rhizosphere of the OK72 perennial wheat line, developed from a cross between winter common wheat and Thinopyrum ponticum. Identified using 16S rDNA sequencing, these bacteria were assessed for plant growth-promoting traits such as indole-3-acetic acid, siderophores and ACC-deaminase acid production, biofilm formation, and the ability to solubilize phosphate and proteins. Twenty-five strains exhibiting in vitro significant plant growth promoting traits, belong to wheat keystone genera Pseudomonas, Microbacterium, Variovorax, Pedobacter, Dyadobacter, Plantibacter, and Flavobacterium. Seven strains, including Aeromicrobium and Okibacterium genera, were able to promote root growth in a commercial annual wheat cultivar while strains from Pseudomonas genus inhibited the growth of Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium species, using direct antagonism assays. The same strains produced a high amount of 1-undecanol a volatile organic compound, which may aid in suppressing fungal growth. The study highlights the potential of these bacteria to form new commercial consortia, enhancing the health and productivity of annual wheat crops within sustainable agricultural practices.

Drought had affected the crops production in Morocco, during the last decade. Plants breeding is still a solution to increase crops tolerance for water scarcity. Using natural biofertilizer based on microorganisms still a good practice to enhance the resilience of agriculture to drought. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of water shortage and use of a biofertilizer based on the strain of Pseudomonas putida on five genotypes of eggplants selected for drought tolerance under the semi-arid of the northeast of Morocco. Two irrigations regimes: 100% (amount of water irrigation made by growers) and 50% of this amount with and without the biofertilizer (1x108 UFC/g). The biofertilizer was applied three times during the plant growth stages. The experiment was conducted at commercial farm production and using a randomized complete block design. Plants were organized in blocks containing 3 plants for each genotype and repeated in 5 repetitions. Crops were planted on August 3rd, 2022, and experiments ended on January 2d, 2023. The results showed different responses among the genotypes in terms of growth. The effect of Pseudomonas on plant height showed that there was a significant increase, at 100% irrigation for C14, B3, C8, B5 and C11 with 20%, 19%, 17%, 14,29% and 12,5%, respectively compared with the control. For C8 and B3, when subjected to 100% water with biofertilizer, there was an increase in the average number of fruits compared to 100% water without the biofertilizer. The highest yield was recorded with B5 under 100% irrigation + fertilizer (1,35 kg/plant). Water shortage impacted the productivity of all genotypes and the fruit number and yield increased with the use of the biofertilizer. Our study is still valuable under the conditions of this trial and more experiments will be needed at several seasons and at different growing conditions.

Many farmers use chemical fertilizers to increase their agricultural productivity, including farmers in Kedungpring Village, Kedungpring Subdistrict, Lamongan Regency. However, it is currently difficult for farmers to meet their fertilizer needs due to the policy of limiting fertilizer subsidies, therefore farmers must have the independence to meet their fertilizer needs. Biofertilizers can be an alternative because they are easy to make by themselves, and are more environmentally friendly than chemical fertilizers. Assistance and training on biofertilizer production for farmers in Kedungpring Village, Lamongan is needed. The purpose of this community service activity is to increase the knowledge of farmers in Kedungpring Village, Lamongan about biological fertilizers, and have the ability to make biological fertilizers, so that they can meet their fertilizer needs. This activity begins with the coordination and planning stages of the activity, providing material on biofertilizers to increase farmers' knowledge of biofertilizers using the lecture method, assistance and training in making biofertilizers using the lecture and practice methods so that farmers have the ability to make biofertilizers, and monitoring and evaluation carried out by the follow-up method. Based on the community service activities carried out, farmers' knowledge about biofertilizers has increased, which is indicated by most farmers having a higher post-test score than the pre-test score, also farmers are able to make their own biofertilizers which are indicated by the color of cloudy brown fertilizer and the distinctive sour smell of fermentation. Through this Community Service activity, farmers in Kedungpring Village also received six bioreactors for making biological fertilizers. Through this whole series of activities, it is an effort to realize sustainable agriculture, and it is hoped that farmers in Kedungpring Village, Lamongan can meet their fertilizer needs independently.

Abstract Bionanofertilizers are promising eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers, leveraging nanotechnology and biotechnology to enhance nutrient uptake by plants and improve soil health. They consist of nanoscale materials and beneficial microorganisms, offering benefits such as enhanced seed germination, improved soil quality, increased nutrient use efficiency, and pesticide residue degradation, ultimately leading to improved crop productivity. Bionanofertilizers are designed for targeted delivery of nutrients, controlled release, and minimizing environmental pollutants, making them a sustainable option for agriculture. These fertilizers also have the potential to enhance plant growth, provide disease resistance, and contribute to sustainable farming practices. The development of bionanofertilizers addresses the adverse environmental impact of chemical fertilizers, offering a safer and productive means of fertilization for agricultural practices. This review provides substantial evidence supporting the potential of bionanofertilizers in revolutionizing agricultural practices, offering eco-friendly and sustainable solutions for crop management and soil health.

The study aims to investigate the effectiveness of chicken feather hydrolysate for promoting the growth of Spinacia oleracea L., a commonly consumed leafy green vegetable. An earlier isolated and identified keratinolytic bacterial species Bacillus tropicus was utilized for the preparation of chicken feather hydrolysate through submerged fermentation. Minimal media which was supplemented with chicken feather was used for the preparation of hydrolysate. The bacterial strain degraded chicken feather within 4 days of incubation after which the feather hydrolysate was collected and tested to check plant growth promoting activity through the seed germination trials and greenhouse study. Upon characterization of feather hydrolysate, it was found that the hydrolysate was a cocktail of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (NPK) as well as other micro elements needed for plant growth. Four different concentrations of feather hydrolysate were employed for both the seed germination and greenhouse study which ranged from 25% (v/v), 30% (v/v), 35% (v/v) and 40% (v/v) including a control group (CN) which was not supplemented with feather hydrolysate. The hydrolysate supplementation brought about plant growth in all the four test concentrations with 35% (v/v) giving the highest result of 14 cm and 27.6 mg/g for tested parameters like plumule length and total chlorophyll content, respectively. The same concentration supported maximum seed germination and highest radicle extension for the germination studies as well. This study investigates the efficacy of chicken feather hydrolysate in promoting spinach growth, elucidating its potential as a fertilizer.

There is still limited information about the formulation of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi culture with the specific ability to overcome P retention in Andisols. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the functional ability of eight AM fungi cultures consisting of four cultures from the generation I (A1I31, A2I21, A0I31, and A0I21) and four cultures from generation II (A1I32, A2I22, A0I32, and A0I22) in dealing with P constraints on an Andisol, compared with the application of fresh AM fungi inocula isolated from natural soils, synthetic chemical fertilizers (CF), rice straw (RS) compost, and several combination treatments including Bio-RP Nutrition. The highest functional ability in increasing P uptake and maize growth on Andisol is obtained by A1I32, followed by A2I22 and A0I22, indicating that AM fungi cultures generation II exhibited higher effectiveness than generation I. The increase of P uptake and maize shoot dry weight yielded by those three AM fungi cultures were in the range of 80-97% and 89-103% of T14 (CF 100%), indicating the high potential biofertilizers for reducing the use of chemical fertilizers. By cultivation plate method, the present findings also confirmed that AM fungi inoculation affecting significantly the abundance and the composition of foliar endophytic bacterial communities.

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) has been detailed to affect soil microbial exercises or community composition. There is a lack of information on the degree to which PGPR as a biofertilizer concurrently influences the action, estimate, and composition of the soil microbial community. This research investigated the impacts of the timing and frequency of PGPR application as biofertilizers on the rhizosphere bacteria community in arable soil. We compared four treatments in an experimental field site, namely: one-time treatment of PGPR at the beginning of planting (P1), twice treatment of PGPR (P2), 15-days of planting (DP), and 30-DP (P3); and without treatment of PGPR (WP). A total rhizosphere bacteria community fingerprint was surveyed using ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis (RISA) using a culture-dependent and culture-independent approach. The rhizosphere bacteria community was surveyed during 80 DP. The unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) clustering showed that the rhizosphere bacteria community in three-frequency applications of PGPR was more abundant than without PGPR application and one or two PGPR applications. This study revealed that the rhizosphere bacteria community was increased in soil with PGPR application, especially in P3, three dosages of PGPR application. Increasing the rhizosphere bacteria community could strongly influence the clay foam soil nutrient.

Excessive use of chemical fertilizers leads to serious environmental and health issues, while organic biofertilizers offer a sustainable solution. Jakaba or “jamur keberuntungan abadi,” a local liquid organic fertilizer derived from fungi, is increasingly used by Indonesian farmers. However, its taxonomy and potential applications require further investigation. Moreover, the effects of jakaba on Fusarium and its impact on maize growth remain unexplored. This study aims to characterize jakaba comprehensively, evaluate its anti-Fusarium properties, conduct pathogenicity tests, and assess its effects on maize growth. Morphological analysis of fresh jakaba fruiting bodies was conducted, and molecular identification was performed based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) 1/4 regions. The antagonistic test was done using plant pathogenic fungi (Fusarium sp.). In addition, jakaba was evaluated for its impact on the vegetative growth of maize. Observations identified jakaba as belonging to the genus Corallomycetella, characterized by coral-shaped fruiting bodies with an orange hue and a white tip. The hyphae are septate, spore hyaline, and ellipsoid. The Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) analysis revealed that jakaba was Corallomycetella repens, with a query cover of 99% and a phylogenetic tree 96% bootstrap (BS) value. Jakaba exhibits antibiosis activity against Fusarium sp., with an inhibition rate of 5.64%. Although C. repens has been previously identified as a cause of root rot in Indonesia, the current study reveals that jakaba is not pathogenic to maize. Furthermore, the application of jakaba’s liquid organic fertilizer at a concentration of 40 ml l-1 significantly increased plant height, leaf length, leaf width, and stem diameter compared to other treatments. These findings highlight jakaba potential as a biofertilizer.

Microalgae have unique properties that allow them to thrive in unconventional spaces, making them suitable for areas that are not normally suitable for crop growth. This is due to their ability to multiply rapidly, grow easily and adapt to different environments at low cost. As a result, the present study aims to analyze the potential of microalgae as a source of agricultural nutrition, as well as the health benefits they can provide. The following research was conducted on an experimental scale using a closed system (photobioreactor) for the cultivation of microalgae, its physicochemical characterization of the cultures and dry biomass. It can be observed the percentages of 11 N; 1.4 P; 0.3 K and its micronutrients are essential for plant growth, since microalgae-based biofertilizers are considered as a sustainable, cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers. The use of microalgae biomass as a biofertilizer in agriculture can increase fertility, reduce soil erosion and nutrient loss, and improve soil quality over time. It also benefits plants, vegetables and greens, as it contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, which are necessary for growth.

Increasing global land degradation and human population necessitate more agricultural production; therefore, plant cultivation may expand to nutrient-limited areas to meet growing food demands. As an environmentally safe application, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria have a high potential to promote plant growth under stress conditions. The present study examined the impacts of single and co-inoculations of two high- and two low-biofilm- and exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing Bacillus (B) and Azotobacter (A) strains on wheat growth in nutrient-limited soil. High- and low-biofilm-/EPS-producing strains were designated as + ve and − ve, respectively. Among the treatments applied, high-biofilm- and EPS-producing B (−) A (+) and B (+) A (−) treatments significantly enhanced shoot length by 20.4–24.5%, shoot fresh weight by 22.2–27.4%, root length by 31.4–37.1%, root fresh weight by 31.9–34.8%, and root dry weight by 27.2–31.4% over the non-inoculated control. Such two treatments also increased the uptake of nutrients (Ca, K, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn) by the roots more than almost all the other applications. A higher nutrient uptake enhanced the leaf chlorophyll contents and decreased antioxidant enzymes (catalase and peroxidase) activities in wheat seedlings exposed to the respective two treatments. The synergy between co-inoculated bacterial strains and their high-biofilm-/EPS-producing potential in B (−) A (+) and B (+) A (−) treatments appear to have a better role in enhanced wheat growth under nutrient stress by improving plant nutrient availability. The consortium of high-biofilm- and EPS-producing rhizobacteria may be used as potential bioinoculants to increase plant growth in nutrient-limited barren soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years the question about organic cultivation of crops is becoming more popular. It means, that farmers which want to use organic products and grow crops it sustainable way have to follow certain rules. So, the aim of our study was to estimate effect of seed inoculation and foliar fertilization of corn by special fertilizer products with microorganisms that certified Organic standard. Therefore, corn seeds were treated by biofertilizers in liquid (Leanum) and powdered (Vitamin O7) forms and then sown in the field conditions. During summer period, plants were treated by liquid fertilizer one or two times. Also, impact of the soil tillage was studied. Research was conducted on the effects of cultivation at depths of 15-18 and 5-8 cm, as well as plowing and flat-cutting cultivation at depths of 25-28 cm. It was found that fertilization impacted on corn yield and grain quality - protein, ash and starch content. Usage of seed inoculants and foliar fertilization in generally leads to increase yield but at different levels. Protein and oil content had a weak positive correlation with applied fertilizers on the background of flat-cut tillage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the agriculture practices have seen a growing interest in innovative technologies aimed at enhancing productivity while promoting sustainability. Nano-biofertilizers, a novel approach to crop nutrition, have emerged as a potential game-changer. This study is aimed comprehensively to uncover the potential and current utilization status of nano-biofertilizers in soil health improvement and sustainable enhancement of crop productivity. The methodology used in this study involved the application of systematic literature review (SLR) methods in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The review focused on scientific literature published from 2013 to 2023, utilizing databases such as ScienceDirect, Scopus, and PubMed. A total of 631 articles were identified through this process. Out of this pool, 10 articles were chosen based on their relevance and topic and they underwent a comprehensive and detailed review. The results showed that use of nano-biofertilizers improves the soil health, plant growth, and productivity significantly. The biological selenium nanoparticles (100 mg/mL) significantly increased the length and weight of spike, root, and shoot, grain quantity in spike, and 1000 grain weight by 5%–40% compared to control. Comamonas testosteroni biofertilizer combined with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) could alleviate the salinity threatening plant growth. Nano-biofertilizers enhance plant growth, elevate their nutritional value, improve productivity, extend shelf life, and bolster their defenses against biotic and abiotic stress factors.

Abstract Background Forest soils are usually highly weathered and abundant in mineral-weathering bacteria, which have not been used to mobilize soil minerals for crop production. Here, we used an acidic forest soil with low available phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and silicon (Si) to isolate bacteria capable of co-solubilizing P, K, and Si (PKSi-solubilizing) and the model rice plant to test their potential to mobilize soil P, K, and Si for crop nutrition. Results Six PKSi-solubilizing strains representative of common mineral-weathering proteobacteria taxa (genera Burkholderia, Paraburkholderia, Collimonas, Pseudomonas, and Agrobacterium) were screened out. They showed diverse P-, K-, or Si-solubilizing activities and produced diverse organic acids. Their mineral-solubilizing activities were positively correlated with the levels of medium pH reduction and gluconic acid production. They promoted the growth of rice seedlings grown in the forest soil by increasing soil available P and Si, plant P, K, and Si cumulative contents and dry weight, and the corresponding root-to-shoot ratios. The growth of rice seedlings alone and with the inoculated PKSi-solubilizing stains in the acidic forest soil did not reduce the soil pH. Conclusions The forest soil with low available P, K, and Si is a valuable resource for high-performance PKSi-solubilizing bacteria improving soil fertility and crop nutrition. The PKSi-solubilizing bacteria screened out can promote rice seedling growth by mobilizing P, K, and Si from soil to plant in the acidic soil with low available P, K, and Si. They show potentials to mitigate soil P, K, and Si deficiency and promote crop growth, and to recover soluble P, K, and Si from chemical fertilizers and improve the use efficiency of chemical fertilizers, thus reducing the input of chemical fertilizers. They may retard soil acidification by Si-solubilization and improve soil quality. Graphical Abstract

Anaerobic digestion is an alternative for wastewater treatment and its effluent could be used in agricultural production because it may contain nutrients; however, its harmlessness is a limiting factor. This research evaluated the potential of a self-cleaning biodigester (SCB) effluent to increase corn and sunflower production of a school plot. The SCB was located at the Telebachillerato Comunitario in San Felipe del Progreso, State of Mexico, Mexico. A randomized block design was used with three fertilization levels of N, P and K, irrigated with SCB effluent and potable water and 3 replications. Physical, chemical and biological parameters (total and fecal coliforms, Salmonella and Escherichia coli) were evaluated in the SCB effluent before being used as fertilizer on the corn and sunflower crops. Finally, the grain yield and the harvested seeds' safety were determined. In the SCB effluent, high K and Ca, high salinity, moderate total coliforms, fecal coliforms and E. coli were observed; Salmonella was not detected. In corn and sunflower seed, 98% of total coliforms were reduced, with no presence of fecal coliforms and E. coli compared to the SCB effluent. The grain yield of sunflower irrigated with SCB effluent increased up to 72% compared to that irrigated with potable water and in corn no significant differences were found between SCB effluent and potable water irrigation.

The increase in household organic waste during the COVID-19 pandemic was a source of pollution, especially in soil. The high pollution intensity in various sectors causes the soil to degrade and lose nutrients. This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of solid and liquid biolistics for improving the nutritional status of latosol soil collected from Bali, Indonesia. The experimental design was a completely randomized design. Efficacy testing by providing solid and liquid biolistics to latosol soils in polybags at different concentrations was performed five times. Macro- and micronutrient testing was carried out three months after the application of the treatments. One-way ANOVA and the LSD test (p

Biofertilizers, consisting of carefully selected microorganisms across various species and genera, exhibit distinct features that enhance soil fertility and promote plant growth. Embracing the principles of eco-friendly agriculture, the use of biofertilizers emerges as a pivotal strategy for sustainable farming, contributing to environmental preservation and the overall health and biodiversity of the soil. In this study, a commercially available biofertilizer, containing a specialized strain of Priestia megatherium with nitrogen-fixing capabilities, was employed alongside chemical fertilizers at two different doses (30 and 40 mg per kg of soil). The primary objective was to evaluate the impact of biofertilizer on the metabolic activity and structure of microbial communities in a short-term experiment involving potted maize plants, utilizing the BIOLOG® EcoPlates technique. Parameters such as average well-color development (AWCD) and substrate utilization across six guilds (SAWCD) were assessed to gauge microbial metabolic activity. Additionally, functional indexes, including Shannon diversity, Shannon evenness, and Simpson diversity, were calculated as indicators of soil microbial community functionality. While statistically significant differences in AWCD among the studied variants were not observed, all estimated functional indexes consistently revealed heightened microbial diversity and evenness following the application of biofertilizer. This noteworthy finding, achieved within a relatively short period of plant cultivation, underscores the necessity for further research to explore the biofertilizer's enduring effects on soil communities, both in controlled laboratory environments and under real-world field conditions.

Indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) is an essential phytohormone that controls a variety of plant growth mechanisms. Bacteria can produce IAA to stimulate plant growth, with its production influenced by the culture conditions. Serratia plymuthica UBCF_13 is recognized as an IAA‐producing bacterium, exhibiting maximum IAA production in a yeast medium comprising yeast extract, sucrose, K2HPO4, MgSO4, NaCl, and CaCO3. However, prior studies optimizing individual inorganic salt components indicated minimal impact on IAA synthesis within this medium. This study aimed to eliminate the unnecessary inorganic salt components and the medium was then applied to investigate the IAA biosynthesis pathway and the plant growth‐promoting assay. The elimination assay consisted of yeast sucrose medium devoid of K2HPO4, MgSO4, NaCl, or CaCO3, and yeast sucrose medium containing only MgSO4 and CaCO3. Various indole compounds were then added to the revised medium composition to investigate the IAA biosynthesis pathway of UBCF_13 using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Furthermore, the effect of UBCF_13 culture supernatant, cultivated in the new medium, on chili plant growth was evaluated. The highest IAA production (138.8 µg/mL) was observed in the yeast sucrose with CaCO3 and MgSO4 (elimination of K2HPO4 and NaCl). The presence of indole‐3‐acetamide (IAM) compound from the medium extracts, supplemented with multiple indole compounds, revealed that UBCF_13 may use the IAM pathway. The application of UBCF_13 supernatant enhanced the shoot, root length, fresh weight, and germination time of chili seeds by 37.7%, 49.3%, 204.3%, and 38.6%, respectively. This study demonstrated that eliminating K2HPO4 and NaCl provided a new culture medium composition conducive to IAA production by UBCF_13. Moreover, the UBCF_13 extract has the potential to promote plant growth.

The issue of heavy metal pollution such as nickel poses a significant environmental concern, exerting detrimental effects on the growth and viability of plant life. Plants have various mechanisms to effectively manage heavy metal stress, including the ability to modify their amino acid type and content. This adaptive response allows plants to mitigate the detrimental effects caused by excessive heavy metal accumulation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of biofertilizers on nickel accumulation, nitrogen metabolism and amino acid profile of corn (Zea mays L.) cv. 'PL438' exposed to Ni stress. After disinfecting and soaking in water for 24 h, corn seeds were primed with bacterial biofertilizers (T2: NPK + FZ), fungal biofertilizers (T3: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) + Trichoderma (T)), or a combination of them (T4: NPK + FZ + AMF + T) and were cultured by the hydroponic method in completely controlled conditions. Then, they were simultaneously exposed to nickel chloride at various rates (0, 75, or 150 µM) at the three-leaf stage. They were harvested two weeks later and were subjected to the measurement of Ni content, nitrate and nitrite content, nitrate reductase activity, and amino acid profile by high-performance liquid chromatography. The results showed that the application of Ni at higher rates increased Ni, nitrate, and nitrite contents and nitrate reductase activity. The study of Ni accumulation and TF revealed that Ni accumulated in the roots to a greater extent than in the shoots and TF was < 1 in all treatments. The shoot amino acid profile showed that the treatment of Ni+2 increased som amino acids such as aspartic acid, asparagine, serine, histidine, and glycine versus the control, whereas T4 Ni+2 increased aspartic acid, glutamic acid, threonine and arginine. The change in amino acids in Ni-treated plants may play a key role in their adaptation to Ni stress. The findings indicate that biofertilizers played a crucial role in mitigating the negative impacts of Ni on corn plants through alterations in amino acid composition and decreased absorption and translocation of Ni. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient for plant growth, but its availability in soil is often limited. Present study was conducted to design compost enriched with phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and rock phosphate (RP). Four compost piles were prepared with RP and 30:1 carbon-to-nitrogen (C: N). Out of these, two piles were inoculated with PSB strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa AAC1 (RP + AAC1) while two piles were left un-inoculated and served as control (RP). The physicochemical assessment of the designed compost revealed that the addition of RP and inoculation of P. aeruginosa AAC1 (RP + AAC1) significantly (p < 0.05) increased the composting temperature (over 58 °C), calcium (36.84%), magnesium (35%) and available P contents (43.50%) indicating the solubilization of inorganic P, Ca and Mg bound phosphates However, the addition did not significantly (p > 0.05) influence the carbon (C), carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio, organic matter, and ash content but significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the moisture content (41%) and pH (up to 5.4). After 60 days, all compost piles reached maturity at temperature ranges of 27-30 °C, pH level between 7.2–7.6, and moisture content 31-35%. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDS) confirmed the presence of elements including carbon (C), oxygen (O), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), silicon (Si), calcium (Ca), and P (P) in the compost. Microbiological monitoring revealed the survival of P. aeruginosa AAC1 during the composting process even at higher temperatures (∼58 °C). Indigenous bacterial populations were recovered within the range of 109 - 1014 CFUg−1. Compost was also safe in regard to heavy metal concentrations. Thus, the results suggest that combining P. aeruginosa AAC1 and RP in compost can enhance the availability of soluble P, thus serving as an effective phosphatic biofertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]