Vol. 12, Issue 11 (2023)

Author(s):
Geeta Kumari, Aman Jaiswal, Viabhav Kumar Upadhyay, Jyostnarani Pradhan, Hemlata Singh and Kartik Pramanik

Abstract:
Conventional carrier-based biofertilizers, despite their advantages over agrochemicals, pose challenges like limited shelf life, risk of contamination, and reduced microbial survival. Consequently, there is a need for alternatives such as liquid biofertilizer as upgraded technology that can enhance the viability of microbial cells. The present study focuses on liquid-based bacterial formulations using polymers such as glycerin, trehalose, polyethylene glycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), potato starch and cassava starch and evaluating the effects of various additives on shelf life. In vitro experiments demonstrated that the addition of 1.5% PVP was the most effective in maintaining the highest population of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae DPR2 (1.11×10⁸CFU mL^-1) for extended period of time (up to 8 months). Additionally, the study found that combining PVP with low-cost natural additives such as cassava starch further extended the shelf life of Rhizobium and maintained a significant bacterial population (1.71×10⁸ CFU mL^-1) when analyzed after 11 months. The resulting liquid biofertilizer signifies an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution, contributing to sustainable agriculture by reducing the dependency on chemical-based fertilizers. This innovative methodology for developing liquid biofertilizers has gained popularity in Indian agriculture due to its distinctive production methods, addressing the issues associated with traditional carrier-based biofertilizers.