Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences Paper

THERMOSTABLITY OF MICROORGANISMS PRESENT IN BIOFERTILIZERS

SUDHA A. SAWANT, BHARATI M. TAMHANE, SHASHWATI M. PRAMANIK AND SUDHIR D. GHATNEKAR

Abstract

Comparative study of four branded biofertilizers with respect to thermo stability of microorganisms present in them was conducted. In the present study, Growmore, a wholesome biofertilizer of Suvash Biogenics, was selected for the purpose. The microbial therm° stability of this brand was compared to three other brands namely Cell-rich (Excel Industries Limited), Bio-meal (Farm Organics Private Ltd.) and Harit Karvir (Zoom Biofertilizers Pvt. Ltd.) all of which were procured from the local agro service centre. The aim was to study the activity of microorganisms present in them at 00 - 4°C, 15°C, 30° C and 45°C. The biofertilizers were tested for presence of useful soil microorganisms such as Cellulose degraders, Nitrogen fixers, Phosphate solubilizers and Potassium enrichers. In addition, total algal count and total protozoan count of all these biofertilizers was also determined. Special stress was given to identify the pathogens present at variable temperatures. Results indicated that in relation to the other three brands studied, Growmore biofertilizer had appreciable thermostability at lower temperature of 00 to 4° C as well as at high temperature range of 45° C .It was further found that in case of Cell-rich and Bio-meal, at the extreme temperatures on the lower as well as the higher side, the useful microorganisms were highly dormant or inactive. In addition, they were also found to be containing pathogens. Harit Karvir, also found to be containing pathogens, lacked notable increase in microbial activity specifically at the extreme temperatures and hence probably the least stable among the four selected biofertilizers. Grounnore biofertilizer consisting of thermostable useful micro organisms and with complete absence of any pathogens emerged as the clear winner and startlingly its performance at 0° to 4° C and at 45° C was remarkable.