A biofertilizer system, a method of preparing the same, and uses thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a biofertilizer system containing a porous matrix support for microbes and a synergistic microbial consortium of a fungi mycorrhiza; and KMB (Klebsiella, Mobilabacter, and Beijerinckia); PSB (Phosphorus-Solubilizing Bacteria selected from but not limited to Pseudomonas sp., Bacillus sp. and Rhizobium sp.); Azotobacter sp.; 5 ZSB (Zinc-Solubilizing Bacteria); Rhizobium sp.; Azospirillum sp.; and Acetobacter sp., which can be used in increasing the agricultural soil fertility. The present invention also relates to a method of a method of preparing the same and uses thereof.

Description

A BIOFERTILIZER SYSTEM, A METHOD OF PREPARING THE SAME,AND USES THEREOFFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to biofertilizers. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a biofertilizer system containing a porous matrix support for microbes and a synergistic microbial consortium of a fungi mycorrhiza and bacteria, which can be used for increasing agricultural soil fertility. The present invention also relates to a method of preparing the biofertilizer.SOURCE OF THE MICROBES / BIOLOGICAL MATERIALSThe microorganism have been taken from ATCC as ATCC, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, VA 20110-2209, USA and not originated in India. The accession numbers are as follows:Klebsiella quasipneumoniae Brisse et al (ATCC 700603)Mobilabacter such as Arthrobacter sp (ATCC 21022), Frateuria aurantia (Kondo) Swings et al. (ATCC 12301) and Paenibacillus sp. (ATCC BAA -2757)Beijerinckia indica subsp. indica (Starkey and De) Derx (ATCC 9039)Pseudomonas sp. (ATCC 49323)Bacillus sp. (ATCC 27142)Rhizobium sp. (ATCC 43056)Azotobacter vinelandii Lipman (ATCC 478)Azospirillum sp. (ATCC 43315)Mycorrhizal fungus (ATCC 36554)BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] The environments such as air, water, soil have become contaminated with a variety of pollutants that are detrimental to all the life forms and pose health hazards for humans, wildlife, the environment, ecosystems, and / or animals. Microbes, such as bacteria and fungi utilize a portion of these contaminants as part of their natural metabolic processes anddecompose or degrade the contaminants into less harmful products and increase the fertility of the soil

[0004] Biofertilizer includes the introduction of native and / or non-native microorganisms into the treatment zone, with or without the introduction of oxidants and / or nutrients, are termed bio-augmentation processes. The microbes normally utilize the contaminants from the contaminated environment as both the energy source and the carbon source, and thus reduce a contaminant concentration within the treatment environment without producing any harmful by-products.

[0005] The present invention provides a cost-effective and efficient biofertilizer system for increasing the fertility of the agricultural soil.OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Objects of the present disclosure are to provide a biofertilizer system and method of increasing agricultural soil fertility.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a biofertilizer system by combining the adsorptive capabilities of activated carbon with the synergistic activities of a diverse bacterial consortium.

[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a biofertilizer system containing a porous matrix support for microbes and a synergistic microbial consortium of a fungi mycorrhiza and bacteria.

[0009] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a method of increasing the agricultural soil fertility using a biofertilizer system containing a porous matrix support for microbes and a synergistic microbial consortium of a fungi mycorrhiza and bacteria.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in Detailed Description section. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0011] Aspects of the present disclosure relates to biofertilizers. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a biofertilizer system containing a porous matrix support for microbes and a synergistic microbial consortium of a fungi mycorrhiza and bacteria, which can be used for increasing agricultural soil fertility. The present invention also relates to a method of preparing the biofertilizer.

[0012] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a biofertilizer system, said system comprises: a porous matrix support for microbes, wherein the porous matrix is activated porous carbon containing press mud, molasses, or combinations thereof; and a synergistic microbial consortium of a fungi endomycorrhiza and bacteria having with complementary metabolic pathways.

[0013] In an aspect, the present disclosure employs an activated carbon Organic manure (high-surface-area activated carbon press mud, molasses as the carrier matrix). The porous structure of press mud, molasses provides an ideal substrate for bacterial colonization and immobilization. The activated carbon Organic manure is treated and activated to create an optimal environment for bacterial colonization.

[0014] In an embodiment, the bacteria used in the present disclosure have complementary metabolic pathways are selected from but not limited to KMB (Klebsiella, Mobilabacter, and Beijerinckia); PSB (Phosphorus-Solubilizing Bacteria selected from but not limited to Pseudomonas sp., Bacillus sp. and Rhizobium sp.); Azotobacter sp.; ZSB (Zinc- Solubilizing Bacteria); Rhizobium sp.; Azospirillum sp.; and Acetobacter sp.

[0015] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of preparing the biofertilizer system, side method comprising the steps of: a) providing an activated carbon organic manure as disclosed herein; b) providing a synergistic microbial consortium comprising KMB, PSB, Azotobacter sp.; ZSB, Rhizobium sp.; Azospirillum sp.; Acetobacter sp.; and endomycorrhiza; c) mixing the an activated carbon organic manure and the synergistic microbial consortium; and d) allowing the mixture to ferment and activate under controlled conditions to encourage microbial growth and metabolic activity to obtain the biofertilizer; and e) packaging the biofertilizer in suitable containers to maintain its viability and shelf life.

[0016] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of increasing agricultural soil fertility, said method comprises the steps of: providing the biofertilizer system as disclosed herein; and mixing the agricultural soil and the biofertilizer system effecting the increase in agricultural soil fertility.

[0017] Other aspects of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learnt by the practice of the invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] FIG. 1 relates to the image of synergistic microbial consortium comprising KMB, PSB, Azotobacter sp.; ZSB, Rhizobium sp.; Azospirillum sp.; Acetobacter sp.; and endomycorrhiza.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0020] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0021] In some embodiments, numbers have been used for quantifying weights, ^percentages, ratios, and so forth, to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention and are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

[0022] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.

[0023] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0024] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense that is as “including, but not limited to.”

[0025] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

[0026] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0027] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and / or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified.

[0028] The description that follows, and the embodiments described therein, is provided by way of illustration of an example, or examples, of particular embodiments of the principles and aspects of the present disclosure. These examples are provided for the purposes of explanation, and not of limitation, of those principles and of the disclosure.

[0029] It should also be appreciated that the present disclosure can be implemented in numerous ways, including as a system, a method or a device. In this specification, these implementations, or any other form that the invention may take, may be referred to as processes. In general, the order of the steps of the disclosed processes may be altered within the scope of the invention.

[0030] The headings and abstract of the invention provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments.

[0031] As described herein, the term ‘activated carbon substrate’, ‘porous carbon substrate’, ‘porous carbon matrix’ have been used interchangeably and the meaning of the terms are those as present in the state of the art. The terms denote the carbon materials having small, low-volume pores that find potential applications in various embodiments including purification of polluted soil and fluids including air and water.

[0032] As described herein, the term ‘microbe’, ‘microorganism’ have been used interchangeably and the meaning of the terms are those as present in the state of the art.

[0033] As described herein, the term ‘biofertilizer’, ‘remediation’, ‘decontamination’ have been used interchangeably and the meaning of the terms are those as present in the state of the art.

[0034] The present invention provides a biofertilizer system containing a porous matrix support for microbes and a synergistic microbial consortium of a fungi mycorrhiza and bacteria, which can be used in increasing the fertility of agricultural soil.

[0035] In an embodiment, the biofertilizer system methods and compositions of the present disclosure do not release any toxic by-product into the soil, water, or air and have minimal impact on soil, air or groundwater quality. The biofertilizer system of the present disclosure are also cost effective in that they remain active for an extended period of time so that only a single treatment is required.

[0036] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a biofertilizer system which, when made in contact with soil contaminated with a wide variety of pollutants including but not limited to hydrocarbons, adsorbs the pollutants from soil and degrades them. More specifically, the activated carbon adsorbs the pollutants and the synergistic microbial consortium contained therein metabolizes the pollutants into non-harmful carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, zinc, phosphorous, and the like.

[0037] In an embodiment, the biofertilizer system is well suited for remediation of environment containing the pollutants selected from but not limited to hydrocarbons, petroleum hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), organic or inorganic chemicals, dyes, paint, pharma waste, metals, partially halogenated solvents, benzene, ethyl benzene, toluene, xylene, gasoline, diesel, oil, vinyl chloride, and the like.

[0038] In an embodiment, the biofertilizer system may also remove the contaminants selected from but not limited to chromate, bichromate, dichromate, chloride, sulfate, selenite, selenate,arsenate, arsenite, perchlorate, iodate, bromate, vanadate, antimonite, antimonate, tungstate, molybdate, phosphate, borate, fluoride, and iodide.

[0039] In an embodiment, the activated carbon can be manufactured from a broad spectrum of material, including, but not limited to, mud, coal, coconut shells, peat, and wood. In the present invention, the activated carbon is prepared from press mud, molasses, or combinations thereof. Typically, the raw material is typically crushed, screened, and washed to remove mineral constituents and activated at high temperatures (normally over 600-900° C.) in a controlled atmosphere. In some embodiments, the porous carbon matrix of the present biofertilizer system can be produced with virtually any source of activated carbon.

[0040] In an embodiment, the present disclosure employs an activated carbon Organic manure (high-surface-area activated carbon press mud, molasses as the carrier matrix). The porous structure of press mud, molasses provides an ideal substrate for bacterial colonization and immobilization. The activated carbon Organic manure is treated and activated to create an optimal environment for bacterial colonization.

[0041] In an embodiment, the activated porous carbon has average sizes ranging from at least about 1 pm, 10 pm, 50 pm, 100 pm, 200 pm, 300 pm, 400 pm, 500 pm, 600 pm, 700 pm, 800 pm, 900 pm, 1000 pm, 1100 pm, 1200 pm, 1300 pm, 1400 pm, 1500 pm, 1600 pm, 1700 pm, 1800 pm, 1900 pm, 2000 pm, 2500 pm, 3000 pm, 4000 pm, 5000 pm, 6000 pm, 7000 pm, 8000 pm, or at least 9000 pm. In some embodiments, the nanoparticles may have a diameter of less than 10,000 pm, 9000 pm, 8000 pm, 7000 pm, 6000 pm, 5000 pm, 4500 pm, 4000 pm, 3500 pm, 3000 pm, 2500 pm, 2000 pm, 1900 pm, 1800 pm, 1700 pm, 1600 pm, 1500 pm, 1400 pm, 1300 pm, 1200 pm, 1100 pm, 1000 pm, 900 pm, 800 pm, 700 pm, 600 pm, 500 pm, 250 pm, or less than 100 pm. In preferable embodiment, the activated porous carbon has a size in a range of about 100 to 1000 pm.

[0042] In an embodiment, the synergistic microbial consortium of the present disclosure can include any suitable bacteria, fungi, denitrifier, sulfate reducer, anaerobic species, facultative anaerobic species, and / or facultative aerobic species.

[0043] In an embodiment, the synergistic microbial consortium employs the fusion of carefully selected strains of natural bacteria and One Fungi. Each strain contributes unique metabolic pathways, enhancing the overall ability to degrade a wide spectrum of contaminants apart from increasing the soil fertility. Said microbes are cultured and multiplied separately under controlled conditions and then carefully blended to create a fusion consortium. The fusion consortium is introduced onto the prepared activated carbonmatrix. The matrix provides ample surface area and porosity for bacterial attachment and colonization.

[0044] In an embodiment, the bacteria used in the present disclosure have complementary metabolic pathways are selected from but not limited to KMB (Klebsiella, Mobilabacter, and Beijerinckia); PSB (Phosphorus-Solubilizing Bacteria selected from but not limited to Pseudomonas sp., Bacillus sp. and Rhizobium sp.); Azotobacter sp.; ZSB (Zinc- Solubilizing Bacteria); Rhizobium sp.; Azospirillum sp.; and Acetobacter sp.

[0045] In an embodiment, per gram of activated porous carbon comprises 106to 109colonyforming units (CFU) of the synergistic microbial consortium.

[0046] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of preparing the biofertilizer system, side method comprising the steps of: a) providing an activated carbon organic manure as disclosed herein; b) providing a synergistic microbial consortium comprising KMB, PSB, Azotobacter sp.; ZSB, Rhizobium sp.; Azospirillum sp.; Acetobacter sp.; and endomycorrhiza; c) mixing the an activated carbon organic manure and the synergistic microbial consortium; and d) allowing the mixture to ferment and activate under controlled conditions to encourage microbial growth and metabolic activity to obtain the biofertilizer; and e) packaging the biofertilizer in suitable containers to maintain its viability and shelf life.

[0047] In an advantageous embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of preparing the biofertilizer system from biowaste rendering the process economical. It also provides an efficient way to consume biowaste and overcome the problem of disposal of the same. It converts a waste product into useful goods.

[0048] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of increasing agricultural soil fertility, said method comprises the steps of: providing the biofertilizer system as disclosed herein; and mixing the agricultural soil and the biofertilizer system effecting the increase in agricultural soil fertility.

[0049] In an embodiment, the biofertilizer method also include the steps of identifying the contaminated region, estimating a mass of contaminant within the contaminated region, determining the amount of the biofertilizer system required for decontamination, supplying the amount of the biofertilizer system to the treatment zone.

[0050] In an embodiment, the synergistic microbial consortia may include microorganisms that are selected, created, and / or propagated based upon their enhanced ability to consume a particular, or target, contaminant that may be present within the treatment zone, which may increase a rate of consumption of the target contaminant within the treatment zone.

[0051] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION:

[0052] The present invention provides the following advantages:

[0053] Nutrient Solubilization: PSB, ZSB, and some strains of Azotobacter and Azospirillum can solubilize essential nutrients like phosphorus and zinc, making them more accessible to plants. This helps improve nutrient uptake by crops.

[0054] Nitrogen Fixation: Rhizobium, Azotobacter, and Azospirillum are nitrogen-fixing bacteria. They convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use, reducing the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers and promoting healthier plant growth.

[0055] Plant Growth Promotion: These beneficial microorganisms release growth-promoting substances such as phytohormones and vitamins, which stimulate root development and overall plant growth. Mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, enhancing nutrient and water uptake.

[0056] Disease Suppression: Some biofertilizers, including certain strains of Acetobacter, can help suppress soil-borne pathogens. This can lead to healthier plants and reduced dependence on chemical pesticides.

[0057] Improved Soil Structure: Microorganisms like Mycorrhiza can enhance soil structure by producing glomalin, a substance that helps bind soil particles together. This improves soil aeration, water retention, and overall soil health.

[0058] Organic Matter Decomposition: potash mobilizing bacteria KMB assist in the decomposition of organic matter, such as press mud. This contributes to the release of nutrients and the improvement of soil fertility.

[0059] Bioavailability: Microorganisms can transform organic matter in molasses into forms that are more readily available to plants, serving as an additional source of nutrients.

[0060] Reduced Environmental Impact: The use of biofertilizers can reduce the environmental impact associated with synthetic fertilizers, as they release nutrients gradually and have a lower risk of causing nutrient runoff and groundwater contamination.

[0061] Sustainability: By enhancing soil fertility and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, biofertilizers contribute to sustainable agriculture practices that benefit both crop yields and the environment.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A method of preparing a biofertilizer system, said method comprising the steps of: a) providing a porous matrix support for microbial consortium, wherein the porous matrix is activated porous carbon with particle size of 100 to 1000 pm; b) providing a synergistic microbial consortium of a fungi mycorrhiza and bacteria having with complementary metabolic pathways, wherein the consortium of bacteria comprises KMB (Klebsiella, Mobilabacter, and Beijerinckia); PSB (Phosphorus-Solubilizing Bacteria selected from a group comprising to Pseudomonas sp., Bacillus sp. and Rhizobium sp.); Azotobacter sp.; ZSB (Zine-Solubilizing Bacteria); Rhizobium sp.; Azospirillum sp.; and Acetobacter sp., wherein the fungi mycorhzia is endomycorrhiza; c) mixing the porous matrix support and the synergistic microbial consortium; and d) allowing the mixture to ferment and activate under controlled conditions to encourage microbial growth and metabolic activity to obtain the biofertilizer; wherein, per gram of activated porous carbon comprises 106to 109colony-forming units (CFU) of the synergistic microbial consortium.

2. The method of preparing a biofertilizer system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the activated porous carbon contains press mud, and molasses.

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