Lactic Acid Bacteria Fermentation Effluent for Plant Bio-Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional agriculture faces challenges such as resource scarcity, soil degradation, water scarcity, and increased carbon footprint, necessitating more efficient and sustainable methods for crop production that reduce chemical use and enhance drought tolerance.
Innovation Solution
A composition derived from the fermentation effluent of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) is used, concentrated to optimal levels for bio-stimulation of plants, containing lactic acid, potassium, ammonium, and phosphate, which is applied to improve plant growth, drought tolerance, and stress recovery, and can be combined with plant growth-promoting bacteria for synergistic effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional agriculture uses synthetic fertilizers and pesticides to increase productivity, then crop yield increases, but environmental pollution and soil degradation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms waste fermentation broth from industrial processes into a valuable agricultural input by adjusting its concentration and composition parameters. The treated broth contains optimized levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that can replace synthetic fertilizers while reducing environmental pollution.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts waste fermentation broth, which would otherwise be an environmental pollutant requiring disposal, into a beneficial organic fertilizer. This transforms a harmful waste product into a resource that improves soil health and reduces dependence on synthetic chemicals.
2Productivity
If fermentation effluent is concentrated to provide optimal nutrient levels for plants, then bio-stimulation effectiveness improves, but osmotic potential and toxicity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies precise parameter control by adjusting the concentration of fermentation effluent to optimal levels for plant application. Through controlled dilution and composition adjustment, the treatment maintains beneficial nutrient concentrations while reducing osmotic potential and toxicity to safe levels for plant roots.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses an intermediate treatment process that modifies the fermentation effluent composition before plant application. This intermediate step adjusts the broth to contain optimized levels of nutrients while removing or reducing harmful substances, creating a safe intermediate product for agricultural use.
3Productivity
If agricultural lands are cultivated intensively to meet food demand, then food production increases, but water scarcity and soil degradation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables soils to self-enhance their fertility through application of organic fermentation broth that promotes beneficial microbial activity. This self-service approach allows soils to maintain productivity without requiring intensive external inputs of water and synthetic fertilizers, reducing the overall water footprint of agriculture.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical and biological parameters of the soil through organic broth application, improving soil structure, water retention capacity, and nutrient cycling. These parameter changes allow soils to maintain productivity under reduced water availability by improving their inherent water-holding capacity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composition enhances plant biomass, drought tolerance, and stress recovery in crops like lettuce, tomato, and soybean, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides while improving water and nutrient efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the use of bacteria to boost crop production. More specifically, plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) are known to improve plant performance due to the natural production of plant beneficial metabolites
Implementation Method 2
the osmotic potential or even toxicity levels of the different compounds are too high for plant roots
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a composition for bio stimulation of plants, more specifically to a composition for bio stimulation of plants derived from the fermentation effluent of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) including bifidobacteria. The present invention further relates to the use of the composition for the bio-stimulation of plants and a method for the bio stimulation of plants being provided with the composition.