Application of Phototrophic Microorganisms as Biofertilizer Isolated from South Gujarat, India

Abstract

Chemical fertilizers have impact on soil texture and also affects the plant growth upto certain level. Due to overuse of chemicals, soil profile has major changes in Gujarat. South Gujarat having major agricultural practices in vegetables, fruits and Sugarcane. The phtotrophic microorganisms isolated from wetland of Nanikakrad situated near to Navasari. The impact of algal biofertilizers on the growth of Solanum melongena, Solanum lycopersicum, and Capsicum annum was researched through a pot study. Plant height, width, and the number of leaves at different time intervals were measured, and soil nutrient levels were analysed by measuring Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Sulphur content. A total of 30 pots (10 for each plant species) were used, and eight different isolates were applied across treatment. Two pots of plants were maintained as controls; one including chemical fertilizers. Plant growth was significantly promoted by isolates I1 and I2 in Solanum melongena, while in Solanum lycopersicum and Capsicum annum, all treatments improved growth compared with controls. Chlorophyll content was significantly increased in chemical fertilized Solanum melongena, whereas in Solanum lycopersicum and Capsicum annum, I1 significantly increased Chlorophyll content. These findings underline the potential of algal biofertilizers as a smarter, safer alternative to chemical fertilizers that promise to drive sustainable growth in agriculture.