SHRI SHIVAJI SCIENCE COLLEGE, AMRAVATI
DBT STAR COLLEGE PROJECT ACTIVITY
ACTIVITY REPORT
Biofertilizer Production
Activity Dates: 01/08/2024 to 30/09/2024
Type of Activity: Minor Research Project
Organizing Department: Department of Microbiology
Program Coordinators: Prof. Suwarna Mankar, Dr. Rasika Jane and Dr. Ashruta Gawali
Head of the Department: Dr. D. D. Khedkar
External Collaborator (if any): Nil
Objectives:
- To provide hands-on experience in the isolation and cultivation of microorganisms used in biofertilizer production.
- To introduce students to the practical techniques involved in biofertilizer formulation and its field applications.
- To encourage the development of problem-solving skills by investigating the effectiveness of biofertilizers in different soil conditions.
- To promote awareness about sustainable agricultural practices and the role of biofertilizers in reducing chemical inputs.
- To foster research-oriented thinking by guiding students in experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation related to biofertilizer efficacy.
No of Beneficieries: 40
Classes Involved: B.Sc. III Microbiology
Venue of the Activity: Microbiology and Biotechnology lab
Activity Report:
The Department of Microbiology has undertaken a minor research project focused on Biofertilizer production, specifically designed for B.Sc. III year students. This project aims to enhance students' understanding of microbial applications in sustainable agriculture, particularly in the production of eco-friendly fertilizers. The importance of biofertilizers in improving soil fertility and promoting plant growth without harming the environment is gaining attention globally. Hence, this project is a crucial educational tool to prepare students for real-world applications in the agricultural and biotechnology sectors.
The need for biofertilizers today is more critical than ever due to the following reasons:
1. *Environmental Sustainability*: With increasing awareness about environmental degradation, biofertilizers offer a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers, reducing soil pollution and protecting ecosystems.
2. *Soil Health Restoration*: Intensive farming and chemical fertilizer overuse have depleted soil nutrients. Biofertilizers help restore soil health by replenishing essential nutrients and improving its fertility.
3. *Combatting Climate Change*: Biofertilizers reduce greenhouse gas emissions by lowering the need for synthetic fertilizers, which are energy-intensive to produce and release harmful gases like nitrous oxide.
4. *Food Security*: As the global population grows, the demand for food increases. Biofertilizers can improve crop yields and quality, ensuring food security without harming the environment.
5. *Cost-efficient for Farmers*: Rising costs of chemical fertilizers burden farmers. Biofertilizers provide a low-cost, natural solution that increases agricultural productivity sustainably.
6. *Reducing Dependency on Chemicals*: Excessive chemical use harms water bodies, biodiversity, and human health. Biofertilizers offer a natural way to maintain soil productivity and reduce reliance on harmful chemicals.
Methodology:
Isolation of Microorganisms: Students isolated nitrogen-fixing and phosphorus-solubilizing, from soil samples. Rhizobium and Azotobacter species were selected based on their known role in biofertilizer production. formulating liquid biofertilizers involves cultivating beneficial microorganisms in a liquid medium and preparing a product that can be applied directly to crops. Here's a step-by-step guide for formulating liquid biofertilizer:
1. Selection of Microorganisms:
Choose microorganisms based on their ability to improve soil fertility and enhance plant growth. Common strains used in biofertilizers include:
Nitrogen-fixing bacteria (e.g., Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Azospirillum)
Phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria (e.g., Bacillus, Pseudomonas)
2. Isolation and Culturing:
Cultivation: Culture the microorganisms in specific liquid media suitable for each type of bacteria. For example:
Nitrogen-fixers: 1. For Rhizobium- Rhizobium agar
2. For Azotobacter- Azotobacter agar
The cultures are grown in shake flasks or bioreactors at optimal conditions (temperature, pH, and aeration) for 48 to 72 hours until the microbial population reaches a high concentration (usually around 10^8-10^9 CFU/mL).
3. Preparation of Liquid Medium:
Prepare a sterile liquid broth as the carrier medium for the biofertilizer. Common mediums include jaggery or molasses (1-2% concentration) mixed with water and enriched with nutrients to support microbial growth.
Sterilization: The liquid medium is sterilized to prevent contamination, using methods like autoclaving.
4. Inoculation of Microorganisms:
Once the microorganisms have reached the desired population density, they are inoculated into the prepared sterile liquid medium. The inoculum is mixed well to ensure even distribution of the microorganisms in the liquid medium.
5. Addition of Additives:
To stabilize the product and extend its shelf life, various additives are mixed into the liquid formulation:
pH Stabilizers: To maintain the pH at 6.5-7.0, which is optimal for microbial survival.
Protective Agents: Substances like glycerol or polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) may be added to protect the microbial cells during storage.
Preservatives: Mild preservatives like sodium benzoate may be added to inhibit unwanted microbial growth.
6. Quality Control:
Population Check: Verify the microbial population density by conducting serial dilution and plate count methods to ensure the count is in the desired range.
Contamination Test: Ensure the biofertilizer is free from any contaminants by performing purity tests.
7. Packaging:
The liquid biofertilizer is packed in sterilized, airtight containers to prevent contamination.
Labeling: The packaging should include information on the type of microorganisms, population density, usage instructions, and expiry date.
8. Storage and Distribution:
Liquid biofertilizers should be stored in cool, dark conditions (preferably below 30°C) to maintain the viability of the microorganisms.
Proper handling during transportation is crucial to prevent exposure to high temperatures and sunlight.
9. Application:
Liquid biofertilizers can be applied to crops through seed treatment, root dipping, or foliar spray.
Seed Treatment: Seeds are coated with the biofertilizer before sowing to encourage beneficial microbial colonization.
Root Dipping: Seedlings are immersed in the biofertilizer solution before transplantation.
Foliar Spray: The biofertilizer can be sprayed directly onto the plants for quick absorption and colonization.
The importance of biofertilizer lies in its numerous benefits for sustainable agriculture and environmental health:
1. *Promotes Soil Fertility*: Biofertilizers enhance soil fertility by increasing the availability of essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, promoting healthier plant growth.
2. *Eco-friendly*: Unlike chemical fertilizers, biofertilizers are natural and do not cause environmental pollution. They help maintain soil health by improving its structure and fertility over time.
3. *Cost-effective*: They are a more economical alternative to chemical fertilizers, reducing farmers' input costs and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
4. *Supports Microbial Activity*: Biofertilizers contain beneficial microorganisms that fix atmospheric nitrogen, solubilize phosphorus, and improve the overall microbial balance in the soil.
5. *Improves Plant Health and Yield*: They enhance the resistance of plants to diseases, pests, and stress, leading to better crop yields and overall quality.
6. *Reduces Dependence on Chemicals*: By using biofertilizers, farmers can minimize their dependence on synthetic fertilizers, reducing the harmful effects of chemicals on crops, soil, and water resources.
Students learned techniques for culturing these microorganisms on production for B.Sc. III year students was a success, achieving its objective of providing an immersive, research-driven learning experience. Students not only gained technical skills but also developed a holistic understanding of the role biofertilizers play in promoting sustainable agriculture. The project has the potential to inspire further research in microbial biotechnology and contribute to eco-friendly farming practices in the future. Biofertilizers are essential today to balance the need for increased agricultural productivity with environmental conservation and long-term soil health. Incorporating biofertilizers helps promote sustainable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective farming practices.
The involvement of Prof. Suwarna Mankar, Dr. Ashruta Gawali, and Dr. Rasika Jane had crucial role in the success of the minor research project on Biofertilizer production for B.Sc. III year students in the Department of Microbiology. Prof. Mankar guided the students in the practical aspects of formulating and applying biofertilizers, while Dr. Gawali mentored them on the environmental and agricultural implications of their work. Dr. Jane provided valuable expertise in microbial biotechnology, ensuring the technical precision of microbial isolation and culture.
The Department of Microbiology extends its gratitude to laboratory staff who guided and supported the students throughout the research project. Special thanks to the students for their dedication and enthusiasm in conducting the experiments and contributing to meaningful results.
Outcomes:
- Enhanced Practical Knowledge: The students gained valuable insights into microbial techniques and their applications in agricultural biotechnology. They learned how to isolate and maintain cultures, formulate biofertilizers, and apply them effectively in field trials.
- Research Skills Development: Students were able to design experiments, collect data, and perform statistical analysis, which contributed to a deeper understanding of scientific research methodology.
- Research Skills Development: Students were able to design experiments, collect data, and perform statistical analysis, which contributed to a deeper understanding of scientific research methodology.
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Students encountered and addressed challenges such as microbial contamination, inconsistent results, and optimization of biofertilizer efficacy in different soil types.
- Improved Academic Engagement: The practical nature of the project increased student engagement with the subject, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications.
Photos:
 Minor research project on production of Biofertilizer |  Dilution Process |
 Preparation of azotobacter biofertilizer |  Preparation and dilution of biofertilizer |
 Stock solutions of biofertilizer |
Attendance Sheet:
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