Snaa Mistry*1,2, Ankit Chaudhary 2, R. Krishnamurthy*1,2
1 C. G. Bhakta Institute of Biotechnology, Uka Tarsadia University, Gujarat 394350, India
2 Kishorbhai Institute of Agriculture Sciences and Research Centre, Uka Tarsadia University, Gujarat 394350, India
*(e-mail: snaa.mistry@utu.ac.in (S.M.), krishnamurthy@utu.ac.in (R.K.); Mobile: +91 7567608178 (S.M.), +91 9825349279 (R.K.))
(Received: September 19, 2024; Accepted: November 21, 2024)
ABSTRACT
The study focuses on converting plant waste into biofertilizer using an eco-friendly method. Perishable plant waste from sources like arrow bamboo, mango trees, and pigeon wood was collected from Uka Tarsadia University and decomposed with a microbial blend of Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus spp., and Aspergillus niger. This blend efficiently breaks down organic waste into nutrient-rich compost. The compost was analysed for macronutrients—nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium and applied to Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) plants in field trials. The experimental setup included a control group (Positive and Negative Control) and five treatment groups, each replicated three times, totaling 21 units. Soil analysis 15 days after applying the Plant-Based Biofertilizer (PBB) showed significant improvements compared to controls. Treatment 2 (Soil + PBB at 7 kg/25 gm) had the highest nitrogen content (208 kg/ha), while Treatment 3 (Soil + PBB at 7 kg/35 gm) had the highest phosphorus (302 kg/ha). Treatment 3 also showed the best plant height (88 cm), number of branches (19), and days to flowering (70), while Treatment 2 had the highest fresh (3.92 gm) and dry leaf weights (0.65 gm). Two-way ANOVA confirmed Treatment 2 as most effective for optimizing Kalmegh growth and soil fertility.
Key words : Plant waste, composting, microbial decomposition, biofertilizer, anova, waste management