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Low-Cost, Eco-Friendly Fertilizers from Bacteria

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Low-Cost, Eco-Friendly Fertilizers from Bacteria

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For the last hundred years, farmers have provided plants with much-needed nitrogen in the form of ammonia fertilizer, which they synthesize through a process that uses natural gas and nitrogen derived from air. While effective, the process has its downfalls: It releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and accounts for 1-2 percent of all global energy use.

Now, a team of University of Minnesota scientists is working on a sustainable alternative. Led by Brett Barney, Ph.D., assistant professor of bioproducts and biosystems engineering with the U’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, the team is genetically editing a type of bacteria that naturally produces nitrogen to make it produce a much greater amount of the nutrient. That nitrogen, in turn, will fertilize the soil and steadily supply crops with the nutrients they need to thrive. Ultimately, the team aims to develop a new standard for supplying Minnesota’s key crops — like corn and wheat — with reliable nutrition to meet the growing demand for food, while curbing the environmental side effects of injecting ammonia-based fertilizers into the soil.

The project is part of the state-funded MnDRIVE Transdisciplinary Research Program, where researchers from different departments work beyond the limits of their disciplines to address complex challenges.

“In nature, these bacteria are independent microbes that happen to provide only slight benefits to the plants around them as a side effect of their own metabolism or eventual death,” Barney said. “What we’re trying to do is tweak the bacteria to more efficiently produce this nitrogen that can serve as natural fertilizer, essentially forming a partnership between the bacteria and the crops they support. All of our experiments are showing that the potential is there.”

On their own, these “nitrogen-fixing” bacteria — which pull nitrogen from the air and convert it into various nitrogen products — supply too little fertilizer to support crop growth. But by removing specific parts of the bacteria’s genetic code, Barney and his team can block certain processes in how the bacteria break down waste material, resulting in a build-up of excess nitrogen that the bacteria eventually release into the soil. In the lab, Barney has been able to determine which bacterial test colonies best produce high levels of nitrogen through the use of a biosensor he designed that turns blue when nitrogen compounds are present.

Barney and his team have already succeeded in getting nitrogen-fixing bacteria to fertilize water-based plants like algae. Results of these studies, recently published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, were used as “proof of concept” for the potential of doing similar projects with conventional crops.

Why work to develop a bacteria-based fertilizer when farmers can use ammonia? One reason is that it can save farmers money, replacing the high cost of transporting and handling ammonia fertilizer on its way from the production plant to the farm with the lower cost of shipping live bacterial cultures.

There are also environmental benefits. Unlike ammonia fertilizer that is injected into the soil, the researchers hope to make the bacteria produce nitrogen as compounds with lowered solubility, making it less likely to wash away from fields and contaminate nearby waterways. Industrial nitrogen production also contributes to climate change, as it contributes to the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Finally, there’s the safety component: While the bacteria are harmless to humans, ammonia in its gas form can irritate the eyes, nose, skin and throat, and even be fatal if inhaled in high concentrations, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A Field Full of Variables

While fertilizing a field through bacteria is an exciting prospect, it will take extensive experimentation to find the ideal conditions that help plants thrive.

Craig Sheaffer, Ph.D., professor of agronomy and plant genetics, is leading the effort to move the bacteria out of the lab and into real soil, but adapting that process to land-based plants poses a challenge. Before any testing can happen in actual fields, Sheaffer will run experiments in controlled greenhouses to understand how different variables affect the plant’s growth, like the type of soil used, the amount of oxygen available and, of course, the type of genetically modified bacteria used.

The researchers will also examine how well this type of bacteria can stay in the soil before needing to be reapplied. The findings will help them decide whether it’s best to apply the bacteria when tilling a field, or if there’s a more effective way to ensure the bacteria take hold, such as by selling farmers pre-treated packages of soil. The bacteria may need to be applied several times in succession before they begin to last longer and treatments can become less frequent, Barney said. If, on the other hand, the bacteria prove highly efficient and try to make too much nitrogen, the limited food supply available to them in the soil will prevent them from overproducing.

If successful, Sheaffer said bacteria-based fertilizers would be appealing to farmers who are looking to cut down on both shipping costs and runoff. But it may prove especially interesting to organic crop farmers, who are unable to inject ammonia into their fields but still need to supply nutrients to their crops.

“They still need a good source of nitrogen to gain high growing yields,” Sheaffer said. “If this technology works in the field, you can imagine how important it would be to organic farmers.”

Collaborating for Healthier Crops

As Barney works on editing the bacteria’s genetics and Sheaffer monitors progress in the greenhouse, their fellow researchers are digging into other aspects of the project.

Neil Olzewski, Ph.D., professor of plant biology with the College of Biological Sciences, is leading studies with model plant systems to determine the potential to increase available carbon from the root systems. Increased carbon would enhance the ability of the bacteria to grow in close association with the plants it is fertilizing. Further studies to determine the potential to utilize stover and wheat straw are being done by students in Barney’s lab along with assistance from Sheaffer.

As the technology comes together, Gary Sands, a professor of bioproducts and biosystems engineering like Barney, will investigate how to transition the biofertilizer technology from the development phase to actual farms, where Minnesota’s farmers can put it to use.

While the experiments are still in the early stages, Barney and Sheaffer anticipate the team will see significant progress following upcoming tests in the greenhouse this summer.

“This project illustrates how applying technology to a very practical problem can have huge benefits for agriculture,” Sheaffer said. “I’m excited that MnDRIVE has invested in this.”

This project is supported by MnDRIVE, a landmark partnership between the university and the state of Minnesota that aligns areas of university strength with the state’s key and emerging industries to advance new discoveries that address grand challenges.

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Soil Microbes and their importance to us

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Created using PowToon -- Free sign up at http://www.powtoon.com/youtube/ -- Create animated videos and animated presentations for free. PowToon is a free tool that allows you to develop cool animated clips and animated presentations for your website, office meeting, sales pitch, nonprofit fundraiser, product launch, video resume, or anything else you could use an animated explainer video.

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Biota Max is a unique soil probiotic and biofertilizer. Quite simply, Biota Max™ is the only soil product on the market today that contains beneficial soil bacteria, beneficial soil fungi, and nitrogen fixing bacteria. All of these microbes are in one, easy-to-use effervescent tablet.

Each rapidly dissolving tablet contains billions of beneficial soil bacteria and beneficial soil fungi. Together these microorganisms are scientifically formulated to restore soil productivity and promote plant growth.

The beneficial soil microorganisms in Biota Max™ will help your plants grow stronger, healthier root
ystems while using less nitrogen fertilizers.

Seed germination, root development, and plant growth depend on soil microorganisms. Increase soil microorganisms and grow bigger with Biota Max™.

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https://youtu.be/358e_Pli34Y

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Biofertilizers in Malaysia Agriculture

Biofertilizers are living microorganisms, generally beneficial bacteria and beneficial Trichoderma fungi,  that help plants utilize nutrients more efficiently. Malaysian agriculture and Malaysian farmers would greatly benefit from the use of bio fertilizer. Used properly, biofertilizers have been shown to be very cost effective for farmers and agricultural concerns.

Custom Biologicals manufactures a number of biofertilizers for use in agricuture. Biota Max™ is a biofertilizer that would be ideal for use in Malaysia. Biota Max is a small effervescent tablet that contains billions of beneficial microorganisms. These microbes, help the pant grow a bigger, more efficient root system.

Custom Biologicals – Home of Biota Max

Custom Biologicals manufactures and distributes a wide variety of biological products for use in a number of industries, including agriculture. We’re always looking for new distributors. Contact Custom at Bill@Custombio.biz or at (561) 797-3008.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzXj7tvzFVc

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Table 1Representatives of microbial inoculantsMicroorganismsName of the productPlants, pathogens, or pathosystemsCompanyAmpelomyces quisqualis M-10AQ10 BiofungicidePowdery mildew on apples, cucurbits, grapes, ornamentals, strawberries, and tomatoesEcogenAzospirillum spp.BiopromoterPaddy, millets, oilseeds, fruits, vegetables, sugarcane, bananaManidharma BiotechBacillus subtilis FZB24FZB24 li, TB, WG RhizoPlusPotatoes, vegetables, ornamentals, strawberries, bulbs, turf, and woodsAbiTepBacillus subtilis strain GB03KodiakGrowth promotion; Rhizoctonia and Fusarium spp.(Gustafson); Bayer CropScienceBacillus pumilus GB34YiedShieldSoil-borne fungal pathogens(Gustafson); Bayer CropScienceBacillus subtilis 

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Table 1Representatives of microbial inoculantsMicroorganismsName of the productPlants, pathogens, or pathosystemsCompanyAmpelomyces quisqualis M-10AQ10 BiofungicidePowdery mildew on apples, cucurbits, grapes, ornamentals, strawberries, and tomatoesEcogenAzospirillum spp.BiopromoterPaddy, millets, oilseeds, fruits, vegetables, sugarcane, bananaManidharma BiotechBacillus subtilis FZB24FZB24 li, TB, WG RhizoPlusPotatoes, vegetables, ornamentals, strawberries, bulbs, turf, and woodsAbiTepBacillus subtilis strain GB03KodiakGrowth promotion; Rhizoctonia and Fusarium spp.(Gustafson); Bayer CropScienceBacillus pumilus GB34YiedShieldSoil-borne fungal pathogens(Gustafson); Bayer CropScienceBacillus subtilis 

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Composting provides an appropriate porosity, density and moisture content so that easily degraded components of the substrate are broken down, while at the same time pathogens and weed seeds are killed and the organic materials become stabilized. For rapid decomposition by microbes, the substrate should have a C/N ratio of 30-40, a pH of 6-8, and a moisture content of 60-70%. Materials commonly used for compost in Asia include livestock manure, various crop residues, and municipal refuse. Controlled conditions are important in composting.

An important problem is how to estimate the degree of compost maturity. Farmers making compost on their own farms need a simple, reliable method. The germination test is the standard method used to evaluate compost quality, but this may not be easy or convenient for farmers to use. A new infrared technique is being developed, byut this may be too expensive and complicated. Experienced farmers can evaluate compost by its smell, and also by its texture when handled - if it feels sticky, the moisture content is probably too high.

Another problem is the permissible levels in compost of heavy metals. These tend to persist in the food chain and are often present at high levels in organic materials, particularly livestock manure and municipal wastes. While some countries such as USA have fixed maximum limits, it was recommended at this workshop that the concentration of heavy metals in compost should not be higher than the level found in background soil.

The quality of compost made by small-scale producers tends to be highly variable. Differences in the N, P and K content reflect differences in the quality of the raw materials which are beyond the control of the producer, but the wide variation in pH and ammonium N content deserve more attention. Ideally, compost should have a pH of around 7, but in practice the pH is often higher than this, sometimes resulting in symptoms of iron deficiency. A high ammonium content is probably because insufficient time has been given for the compost to mature. It was recommended at the training workshop that extension specialists and scientists working with farmers should find out which factors are responsible for poor quality in compost, and find the means to correct them.

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biofertilizer#/media/File:Blue-green_algae_cultured_in_specific_media.jpg

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The more nutrients that are available to plants, the higher the yield. Mineral nutrients are known to circulate through a chain of plants, soil and animals, but it is soil microorganisms that change these nutrients into a form available to plants. In sustainable agriculture, it is important to make full use of all microorganisms in order to promote the circulation of plant nutrients and reduce the use of chemical fertilizers as much as possible.

Biological nitrogen fixation is a biological process catalyzed by the enzyme nitrogenase. This process converts atmospheric nitrogen (N 2), which is not in itself available to plants, into the form NH 4 which plants can use. The cost of using biological nitrogen fixation in agriculture is low compared to chemical fertilizers, and saves energy. Biological nitrogen fixation is carried out by several organisms, mainly microorganisms, in natural ecosystems.

Effective rhizobium strains should be taken from rhizobium present in nodules rather than those present in the soil, since the soil is not generally a selective medium

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 Bio fertilizer (also bio-fertilizer) is a substance which contains living microorganisms which, when applied to seeds, plant surfaces, or soil, colonize the rhizosphere or the interior of the plant and promotes growth by increasing the supply or availability of primary nutrients to the host plant.[1] Bio-fertilizers add nutrients through the natural processes of nitrogen fixation, solubilizing phosphorus, and stimulating plant growth through the synthesis of growth-promoting substances. Bio-fertilizers can be expected to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The microorganisms in bio-fertilizers restore the soil's natural nutrient cycle and build soil organic matter. Through the use of bio-fertilizers, healthy plants can be grown, while enhancing the sustainability and the health of the soil. Since they play several roles, a preferred scientific term for such beneficial bacteria is "plant-growth promoting rhizobacteria" (PGPR). Therefore, they are extremely advantageous in enriching soil fertility and fulfilling plant nutrient requirements by supplying the organic nutrients through microorganism and their byproducts. Hence, bio-fertilizers do not contain any chemicals which are harmful to the living soil.Bio-fertilizers provide "eco-friendly" organic agro-input. Bio-fertilizers such as Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Azospirilium and blue green algae (BGA) have been in use a long time. Rhizobiuminoculant is used for leguminous crops. Azotobacter can be used with crops like wheat, maize, mustard, cotton, potato and other vegetable crops. Azospirillum inoculations are recommended mainly for sorghum, millets, maize, sugarcane and wheat. Blue green algae belonging to a general cyanobacteria genus, Nostoc or Anabaena or Tolypothrix or Aulosira, fix atmospheric nitrogen and are used as inoculations for paddy crop grown both under upland and low-land conditions. Anabaena in association with water fern Azolla contributes nitrogen up to 60 kg/ha/season and also enriches soils with organic matter.[2][3]Other types of bacteria, so-called phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, such as Pantoea agglomerans strain P5 or Pseudomonas putida strain P13,[4] are able to solubilize the insoluble phosphate from organic and inorganic phosphate sources.[5] In fact, due to immobilization of phosphate by mineral ions such as Fe, Al and Ca or organic acids, the rate of available phosphate (Pi) in soil is well below plant needs. In addition, chemical Pi fertilizers are also immobilized in the soil, immediately, so that less than 20 percent of added fertilizer is absorbed by plants. Therefore, reduction in Pi resources, on one hand, and environmental pollutions resulting from both production and applications of chemical Pi fertilizer, on the other hand, have already demanded the use of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria or phosphate bio-fertilizers.[citation needed]

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 Bio fertilizer (also bio-fertilizer) is a substance which contains living microorganisms which, when applied to seeds, plant surfaces, or soil, colonize the rhizosphere or the interior of the plant and promotes growth by increasing the supply or availability of primary nutrients to the host plant.[1] Bio-fertilizers add nutrients through the natural processes of nitrogen fixation, solubilizing phosphorus, and stimulating plant growth through the synthesis of growth-promoting substances. Bio-fertilizers can be expected to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The microorganisms in bio-fertilizers restore the soil's natural nutrient cycle and build soil organic matter. Through the use of bio-fertilizers, healthy plants can be grown, while enhancing the sustainability and the health of the soil. Since they play several roles, a preferred scientific term for such beneficial bacteria is "plant-growth promoting rhizobacteria" (PGPR). Therefore, they are extremely advantageous in enriching soil fertility and fulfilling plant nutrient requirements by supplying the organic nutrients through microorganism and their byproducts. Hence, bio-fertilizers do not contain any chemicals which are harmful to the living soil.Bio-fertilizers provide "eco-friendly" organic agro-input. Bio-fertilizers such as Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Azospirilium and blue green algae (BGA) have been in use a long time. Rhizobiuminoculant is used for leguminous crops. Azotobacter can be used with crops like wheat, maize, mustard, cotton, potato and other vegetable crops. Azospirillum inoculations are recommended mainly for sorghum, millets, maize, sugarcane and wheat. Blue green algae belonging to a general cyanobacteria genus, Nostoc or Anabaena or Tolypothrix or Aulosira, fix atmospheric nitrogen and are used as inoculations for paddy crop grown both under upland and low-land conditions. Anabaena in association with water fern Azolla contributes nitrogen up to 60 kg/ha/season and also enriches soils with organic matter.[2][3]Other types of bacteria, so-called phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, such as Pantoea agglomerans strain P5 or Pseudomonas putida strain P13,[4] are able to solubilize the insoluble phosphate from organic and inorganic phosphate sources.[5] In fact, due to immobilization of phosphate by mineral ions such as Fe, Al and Ca or organic acids, the rate of available phosphate (Pi) in soil is well below plant needs. In addition, chemical Pi fertilizers are also immobilized in the soil, immediately, so that less than 20 percent of added fertilizer is absorbed by plants. Therefore, reduction in Pi resources, on one hand, and environmental pollutions resulting from both production and applications of chemical Pi fertilizer, on the other hand, have already demanded the use of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria or phosphate bio-fertilizers.[citation needed]

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Click ME 🤓

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different types of biofertilizers:

1. Rhizobium -
This belongs to bacterial group and the classical example is symbiotic nitrogen fixation. The bacteria infect the legume root and form root nodules within which they reduce molecular nitrogen to ammonia which is reality utilized by the plant to produce valuable proteins, vitamins and other nitrogen containing compounds. The site of  symbiosis is within the root nodules.

2.  Azotobacter -

It is the important and well known free living nitrogen fixing aerobic bacterium. It is used as a Bio-Fertilizer for all non leguminous plants especially rice, cotton, vegetables etc. Azotobacter cells are not present on the rhizosplane but are abundant in the rhizosphere region. The lack of organic matter in the soil is a limiting factor for the proliferation of Azotobaceter in the soil.

3. Azospirillum-

It belongs to bacteria and is known to fix the considerable quantity of nitrogen in the range of 20- 40 kg N/ha in the rhizosphere in non- leguminous plants such as cereals, millets, Oilseeds, cotton etc.

4. Cyanobacteria-

A group of one celled to many celled aquatic organisms. Also known as blue-green algae

5.Azolla -

Azolla is a free floating water fern that floats in water and fixes atmospheric nitrogen in association with nitrogen fixing blue green alga Anabaenaazollae. Azollafronds consist of sporophyte with a floating rhizome and small overlapping bi-lobed leaves and roots. Azolla is considered to be a potential biofertilizer in terms ofnitrogen contribution to rice.

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How to Make Your Own Fertilizer From Garbage

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How to Make Your Own Fertilizer From Garbage

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Few synthetic fertilizers can reproduce the benefits of organic compost. Compost naturally buffers alkaline and acidic soils, releases nutrients more slowly than synthetic fertilizers, provides macro- and micro-nutrients not available synthetically and, best of all, costs nothing to make. You only need four things to make nutrient-rich compost: air, water, carbon and nitrogen. Carbon, provided by brown waste, gives the microbes energy that helps them break down organic matter; nitrogen, provided by green waste, supplies the microbes with proteins; air and water fuel the composting process. It might take some time, but if you make a habit of collecting those spent flower heads, leftover apple cores and peeled potato skins, you’ll soon have enough compost to fertilize your landscape organically

1

Set a compost bin that measures at least 34 cubic feet in volume away from your home and away from things that attract nuisance animals, such as bird feeders and fruit trees. Compost naturally attracts animals, but prefabricated bins designed for compost have secure-fitting lids and mesh over the air vents to help deter them. If using a homemade bin, give it some protection against pests, such as a secure-fitting lid and a 1/4-inch wire-mesh wrapping. Line the bottom of your compost bin with 1 inch of straw.

2

Set up a compost container in your kitchen to collect viable green waste for your compost pile. Green kitchen waste that composts well includes egg shells, used coffee grounds, tea bags, vegetable scraps, fruit trimmings and nut shells. Remove any items that won’t compost, such as food packaging, bones or other animal-based waste.

3

Chop large pieces of kitchen waste by hand or in a food processor until they measure 2 inches or less. The smaller the pieces, the quicker they compost. Add the green waste from the kitchen container to your compost bin every day or every time it fills up.

4

Collect viable brown waste from your yard and garden using a rake and add it to your compost bin. Plant-based waste that works well in a compost pile includes wood chips, leaves, grass clippings, vines, hay, straw and shrub and plant trimmings.

5

Chop any plant-based waste using a composter or a mower with a mower bag until it measures 2 inches or less. Remove any diseased or seedy, highly invasive weeds, such as Bermuda grass or bindweed, and throw them away.

6

Collect and chop thorny wood and large limbs and branches and let them compost separate from other plant-based waste. These items take a long time to break down, and slow the compost rate of other waste. Add these items after they decompose after one or two years.

7

Add some fresh manure to your compost to jumpstart it if desired. Although not required, fresh manure has a large amount of nitrogen that gets your compost hot faster and quickens decomposition of the whole pile. Add an amount of manure equal to about 25 percent of the total volume of compost bin.

8

Water the compost lightly until just moist. You want the compost to stay barely moist at all times to maintain an environment conducive to decomposition. Mix your compost heap well using a long-handled fork or shovel. Keep the lid closed on your compost.

9

Check the internal temperature of your compost pile once a week using a compost thermometer. Your compost should have an internal temperature ranging from 140 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Turn the compost pile with the fork or shovel when the temperature drops below 140 degrees Fahrenheit. You can add your compost to your plants when it stops heating up in the center.

Things You Will Need

Compost bin

Straw

Kitchen compost container

Green kitchen waste

Food processor (optional)

Plant-based yard waste

Composter or lawnmower with bag

Yard rake

Fresh manure (optional)

Compost thermometer

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Plants need to be fertilized because most soil does not provide the essential nutrients required for optimum growth. Even if you are lucky enough to start with great garden soil, as your plants grow, they absorb nutrients and leave the soil less fertile. Remember those tasty tomatoes and beautiful roses you grew last year? It took nutrients from the soil to build those plant tissues. By fertilizing your garden, you replenish lost nutrients and ensure that this year's plants have the food they need to flourish.

There are six primary nutrients that plants require. Plants get the first three—carbon, hydrogen and oxygen—from air and water. The other three are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

Nitrogen helps plants make the proteins they need to produce new tissues. In nature, nitrogen is often in short supply so plants have evolved to take up as much nitrogen as possible, even if it means not taking up other necessary elements. If too much nitrogen is available, the plant may grow abundant foliage but not produce fruit or flowers. Growth may actually be stunted because the plant isn't absorbing enough of the other elements it needs.

Phosphorus stimulates root growth, helps the plant set buds and flowers, improves vitality and increases seed size. It does this by helping transfer energy from one part of the plant to another. To absorb phosphorus, most plants require a soil pH of 6.5 to 6.8. Organic matter and the activity of soil organisms also increase the availability of phosphorus.

Potassiumimproves overall vigor of the plant. It helps the plants make carbohydrates and provides disease resistance. It also helps regulate metabolic activities.

There are three additional nutrients that plants need, but in much smaller amounts: Calcium is used by plants in cell membranes, at their growing points and to neutralize toxic materials. In addition, calcium improves soil structure and helps bind organic and inorganic particles together.

Magnesium is the only metallic component of chlorophyll. Without it, plants can't process sunlight.

Sulfur is a component of many proteins.

Finally, there are eight elements that plants need in tiny amounts. These are called micronutrients and include boron, copper and iron. Healthy soil that is high in organic matter usually contains adequate amounts of each of these micronutrients.