Utilization of Perishable Plant Waste for Biofertilizer Production

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.