Vol. 12, Issue 11 (2023)

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

Abstract:
Microbial based nutrient inputs have emerged as the potential alternative for the productivity, reliability and sustainability of the global food chain. Although, carrier-based biofertilizers are in vogue since long and their use has proved beneficial both for crop yields as well as soil health, but, these are still not popular with the farming community because of varying reasons and mixed results and the main concern has been the viability of the microorganisms. To overcome such problems liquid formulations of biofertilizer have gained popularity because of their storage stability, easy delivery, increased persistence and protection from harmful and damaging environmental factors which seem to be the only alternative for cost-effective sustainable agriculture. In the present study, a new methodology have been designed for development liquid formulation technology where a combination of carrier, emulsifier and thickener was used. Two different types i.e., water-oil based and nutrient broth based formulations were designed and amended with PGPR inoculants. These formulations not only contain the desired microorganisms and their nutrients but also special cell protective agents and additives like emulsifier and thickener that promote for longer shelf life and tolerance to adverse conditions. These formulations were stored at different temperatures (4 °C, 28 °C and 40 °C) for 16 months and analyzed for their physio-chemical and biological properties.