Aug 2026· Journal of Ecological Engineering· 0 citations· 37 references
TL;DR
Findings suggest that integrating plant-and animal-based OEB with selected PGPB isolates can effectively support sustainable maize production.
Abstract
Organic ethno-biofertilizer (OEB) is a low-cost, eco-friendly agricultural input derived from locally available materials, aligning with sustainable and smallholder farming practices. By combining agricultural residues with beneficial microorganisms, OEB offers an environmentally responsible alternative to restore soil health and improve crop productivity. This study aimed to assess and characterize OEB formulations based on local wisdom, evaluate their biochemical activities, and determine the effectiveness of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) in enhancing maize growth through bioassays. Six OEB formulations were tested, from which 12 PGPB isolates were obtained and evaluated to identify superior strains. A randomized block design (RBD) with 13 treatments (one control and 12 bacterial isolates) and three replications was employed. The highest bacterial and nitrogen-fixing contents were observed in the OEB formula combining plant-based (bamboo root) and animal-based (rabbit urine) components. Bioassay results showed that all 12 isolates significantly enhanced maize growth and phytohormone production. Based on performance rankings, two superior isolates (GPNF9 and GPNF12) were identified, which significantly increased plant height, root length, and fresh weight compared to the control. Biochemical analyses revealed that GPNF9 and GPNF12 produced indole acetic acid (IAA) at 1.153 and 1.394 ppm, and nitrogenase activity at 0.560 and 1.381 µM mL⁻¹ g⁻¹ h⁻¹, respectively. Molecular identification classified GPNF9 as Stenotrophomonas sp. HH10 and GPNF12 as Enterobacter sp. strain YF3. These findings suggest that integrating plant-and animal-based OEB with selected PGPB isolates can effectively support sustainable maize production.
This study investigates the feasibility of employing plant-derived biomaterials as sustainable and ecologically friendly alternatives to standard chemicals in wastewater treatment. It seeks to meet the rising need in this area for innovative environmental technology. The goal is to assess the efficacy of five medicinal plant extracts Moringa oleifera, clove, basil, neem, and ginger—in enhancing the quality of treated water. The study examines their efficiency in decreasing turbidity, lowering COD and BOD levels, removing heavy metals, and minimizing microbial contamination.In accordance with jar testing recommendations, coagulation and agglutination tests were conducted in a controlled laboratory setting. The effectiveness of the recommended plant-based substitutes was evaluated by directly comparing the outcomes with traditional therapy using aluminum sulfate (alum). Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the association between treatment parameters.The results demonstrated that treating wastewater with extracts from medicinal plants considerably enhanced its quality. Moringa oleifera demonstrated the greatest overall treatment performance, with 94.2% turbidity removal, 70.6% COD reduction, 66.2% BOD reduction, 79.6% Pb elimination, and 90.8% microbiological decrease. Syzygium aromaticum, on the other hand, demonstrated the highest microbial reduction efficacy (92.4%). Moringa oleifera demonstrated comparable effectiveness while improving environmental sustainability and biodegradability, despite alum's somewhat better physicochemical removal efficiency. A combination of charge neutralization, adsorption, particle bridging, biosorption, and antibacterial properties linked to bio-flocculants produced from medicinal plants were identified as responsible for the reported treatment efficiencies.The results indicate that bio-flocculants generated from medicinal plants are attractive substitutes for traditional chemical coagulants and have a great deal of potential for environmentally friendly wastewater treatment applications.
A. A. Al- Khafaji· Technium BioChemMed· 0 citations
Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora) is one of the most important ornamental crops because of its aesthetic value, diverse flower forms and commercial significance in the floriculture industry. Sustainable chrysanthemum production has received increasing attention owing to concerns about excessive dependence on chemical fertilizers and the need to maintain soil health and environmental quality. Biofertilizers provide a biologically based approach to improving nutrient availability, plant growth and soil fertility through the activity of beneficial microorganisms, including nitrogen-fixing bacteria, phosphate- and potassium-solubilizing microorganisms, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), mycorrhizal fungi and microbial consortia. These microorganisms enhance nutrient cycling, root development, nutrient uptake and plant growth, while also contributing to improved tolerance to abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity and temperature extremes. Biozymes, as organic biostimulant formulations, further support physiological and metabolic processes that promote nutrient utilization, plant vigor and overall crop performance. The combined application of biofertilizers and biozymes through suitable methods, including soil application, seed or cutting treatment, foliar spray and drip irrigation, offers considerable potential for sustainable chrysanthemum cultivation. However, their effectiveness may vary depending on microbial strain, formulation quality, soil characteristics, crop stage and environmental conditions. This review summarizes the mechanisms, applications and benefits of biofertilizers and biozymes in chrysanthemum production and highlights current knowledge gaps and future research needs for developing efficient, climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable floriculture systems.
S. Garcha, N. Kaur, Parminder Singh· Archives of Current Research...· 0 citations
The growing demand for food and the environmental concerns raised by excessive chemical fertilizer use have increased interest in sustainable soil fertility management practices. Biofertilizers (BFs) contain beneficial microorganisms that improve nutrient cycling and support plant growth. Biochar (BC), a carbon (C) rich material produced from biomass pyrolysis, improves soil structure, nutrient retention, and soil health. Although both BF and BC have been extensively studied individually, few studies have examined their combined effects. This systematic review summarizes the results from 66 peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2025. The studies were identified through the Web of Science Core Collection and screened following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and MetaAnalyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The review evaluates the combined effects of BC and BF application on soil quality, nutrient availability, crop growth, stress tolerance, and environmental emissions. It was found that the combined application of BC and BFs improved microbial activity, soil enzyme activity, nutrient uptake, crop biomass, and yield more effectively than single applications. The reported reductions in global warming potential (GWP) and greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI) also indicated their environmental benefits. However, the effectiveness of BC+BF co-application varied, depending on biochar feedstock, pyrolysis conditions, microbial strains, application methods, and soil properties. Current challenges for co-application of BC and BFs include determining optimal application rates, selecting suitable biochar materials, and the limited availability of long-term and large-scale field studies. Overall, BC and BFs co-application shows strong potential for improving agricultural sustainability and resilience. Future studies should focus on long-term field experiments across different agroecological conditions.
S. M. Shamiul Alam, Lin Wei, Tochukwu Ozor et al.· International Journal of Pla...· 1 citation
Developing innovative green strategies regarding the integration of by-products and waste from the food industry for sustainable agriculture and a circular economy represents a current challenge of great interest. The present exploratory study evaluated four regional potential food-waste-derived biofertilizers under controlled greenhouse conditions. Eggshell powder (EGP), whey, sea buckthorn pomace powder (SBPP), and grape pomace hydroalcoholic extract (GPHAE), used separately or in combination, were tested to observe the response of a relevant crop, Phaseolus vulgaris L. var. communis Auria Bacăului, in terms of vegetative growth parameters and its phytochemical profile. Plant biometric parameters, some representative metabolites (chlorophyll, carotenoids, polyphenolic compounds, and amino acids), and antioxidant activity were investigated using appropriate analytical techniques. The results demonstrated that bean plants grown on soil amended with EGP exhibit high biometric values, validating the efficacy of this by-product as a potential biofertilizer. The mixture of water and GPHAE used on the amended soils with EGP, and with EGP and SBPP, induces a positive effect on the total chlorophyll content accumulated in the bean samples (0.204–0.212 mg/g) compared to similar samples sprayed only with water. The mixture of water, whey, and GPHAE resulted in free amino acid accumulation in beans regardless of soil amendment. The highest synergetic effect on amino acid accumulation was found between this fertigation solution and the soil supplemented with EGP. The overall results of the present work confirm the potential of these regional food by-products and waste as biofertilizers, offering a dual solution for food industry waste management and sustainable agricultural development.
E. Bran, Luminița-Bianca Grosu, Gabriel-Alin Iosob et al.· Sustainability· 0 citations
The growing pressure exerted by global food demand, combined with the excessive use of chemical and synthetic inputs, is prompting the agricultural sector to seek innovative and sustainable solutions to improve, or at least maintain, crop yields in a context of increased abiotic stress linked to climate change. Among the promising approaches, biostimulants are attracting growing interest, particularly those derived from natural sources such as seaweed extracts, humic acids, and beneficial microorganisms. These products work through various mechanisms, including osmotic regulation, activation of antioxidant systems, stimulation of root growth, and improvement of nutrient absorption. Many recent research and review articles have explored the optimal combinations of raw materials, formulation processes, target crops, and environmental conditions to maximize beneficial effects on plant growth, soil health, and tolerance to abiotic stresses. As a result, a growing range of commercial products is emerging, with diverse chemical compositions, formulations, and modes of application. However, the precise relationships between the biochemical composition of biostimulants and their physiological effects remain poorly understood, suggesting a key role for molecular synergies. This review provides a concise overview of recent advances in biostimulant research and their potential to enhance food security by improving crop resilience in the context of climate change.
Boujemaa Fassih, Raja Ben-Laouane, Abdessamad Fakhech et al.· Sustainability· 1 citation
Background: Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the world's most important cereal crops, and improving its productivity while reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers has become a major goal of sustainable agriculture. The potential role of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) as a biofertilizer evolved as appropriate substitute to neutralize adverse environmental impacts wielded by manmade agrochemical.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis, individually and in combination, on the growth and yield of maize compared with conventional NPK fertilization.
Methods: A field experiment was conducted during the 2025 growing season at the Field Crops Research Station, College of Agriculture, University of Samarra, using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. Six treatments were evaluated: Untreated control (T1), Pseudomonas fluorescens (T2), Bacillus subtilis (T3), combined inoculation (P. fluorescens + B. subtilis) (T4), combined inoculation with NPK fertilizer (T5), and NPK fertilizer (20:20:20) only (T6). Vegetative growth and yield-related traits were recorded and statistically analyzed.
Results: Inoculation of plants with PGPR bacteria resulted in a significant improvement in both vegetative growth and yield compared to the untreated control group. Pseudomonas fluorescens (T2) exhibited the highest vegetative growth rate, recording the highest plant height (148.00 cm), leaf area (365.00 cm²), leaf area index (2.63), and number of grains per spike (688 grains) compared control group recorded (92.33 cm), (10.67 plant⁻¹), (151.73 cm²), (0.70) respectively. Bacillus subtilis (T3), achieved the highest productivity, producing the largest number of spikes per plant (2.67 spikes) and the highest spike weight (283.50 g) compared control group recorded (2.00) and (161.60 g).
Conclusion: The use of PGPR, and especially Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis as potential biofertilisation agents is a promising sustainable alternative to chemical fertilisation that can enhance maize growth and production, while decreasing dependence on mineral fertilisers.
Waser saad Khalaf, Ahmed waleed Abdulrahman· International Journal of Bio...· 0 citations