PRODUCTION OF BIOFERTILIZER FROM BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM PLANT RHIZOSPHERE AND RELATIVE EFFECTS TO INORGANIC FERTILIZER

Abstract

Production of biofertilizer from bacteria isolated from plant rhizosphere and the relative effects to inorganic fertilizer was conducted by identifying the bacteria with the ability to solubilise phosphorous and fix nitrogen. Alcaligene faecalis and Providencia vermicola were identified as phosphate-solubilising and nitrogen fixing bacteria, respectively. Production of biofertilizer was conducted using fermentation process. Charcoal was used as a carrier material which was mixed with the bacterial consortium to form a powder. A pot experiment was conducted for seven (7) weeks using Maize (Zea mays) to compare the effectiveness of biofertilizer to inorganic fertilizer. The physicochemical parameters (Nitrogen 9.0 %, Phosphorus 33.7 mg/kg, Potassium 1.3 Cmolkg-1) revealed that the organisms used for the production of biofertilizer had the potential to improve the soil quality. The growth parameters of the plant measured (Height of plant, Length of Leaf and Number of Leaf) and physicochemical parameters of the soil after planting revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in biofertilizer effects on plant when compared with inorganic fertilizer. The study therefore, indicated that Alcaligene faecalis and Providencia vermicola can be employed as a potential Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR), making the biofertilizer suitable for the growth of Zea mays as well as improving the soil quality.