Utilization of expiry food and microorganisms in development of biofertilizer
Keywords:
Biofertilizer, Microbial treatment, Expired food waste, Plastic recycling, Soil fertility, Sustainable agriculture, Circular economyAbstract
The growing accumulation of expired packaged food, wet biodegradable waste, and non-degradable plastics poses major environmental and waste-management challenges. Plant growth–promoting microorganisms improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, organic matter decomposition, and pathogen control. Rhizobium and Azotobacter enhance soil nitrogen, while Pseudomonas improves phosphorus availability and disease resistance. Bacillus subtilis supports nutrient mineralization and soil structure, promoting eco-friendly agriculture and reduced chemical fertilizer use. A systematic isolation and confirmation strategy was followed for biofertilizer production. Microorganisms from rhizosphere soil, legume root nodules, and organic waste were identified using common tests such as Gram staining, catalase test, and selected biochemical observations, excluding specific tests like Hofer’s alkaline test, starch hydrolysis, and Ashby’s mannitol growth. The confirmed cultures of Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Pseudomonas, and Bacillus subtilis were purified and applied for microbial decomposition during biofertilizer preparation. This study focuses on converting organic waste into value-added biofertilizer through efficient microbial decomposition while ensuring proper segregation and recycling of plastic materials. The integrated approach promotes sustainable waste management and supports circular economy principles. The effectiveness of integrating microbial biofertilizer production with sustainable waste management. Conversion of expired food and wet biodegradable waste into biofertilizer reduces waste accumulation and enhances soil fertility and microbial activity. The resulting biofertilizer provides a cost-effective, eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers, supporting sustainable crop productivity.
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