Evaluation of biofertilizers based on microorganisms and vermicompost leachate in crops of economic interest in Mexico

Abstract

Objective: Characterize the effect of a biofertilizer based on vermicompost leachate (VCL) on valuable Mexican crops, formulated in combination with: i) a recommended dose of chemical fertilizer (NPK), ii) a mixture of two commercial products containing plant growth promoting microorganisms and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and iii) molasses.

Design/methodology/approach: Four treatments were evaluated: T1 (VCL, microorganisms, without molasses and without NPK), T2 (VCL, microorganisms, without molasses and with NPK), T3 (only with NPK) and T4 (VCL, microorganisms, molasses and without NPK), distributed in 128 pots where eight species of crops with 4 replicates each were planted (tomato, pepper, sorghum, bean, peas, corn, squash and watermelon) at greenhouse conditions. After 6 weeks of cultivation, the effect of the biofertilizers was quantified according to the parameters of plant height and number of leaves. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey test were used to determine statistical significance.

Results: Treatments T1 and T2 presented the best effects in plant growth for most plants. Watermelon showed better response to T3 whereas in corn insignificant effects were observed. Treatment T4 showed a negative influence on the development of all crops, attributed to the incorporation of molasses.

Limitations on study/implications: The study was carried out in a short period of time where it was not possible to evaluate fruit production.

Findings/conclusions: VCL combined with plant growth promoting bacteria and AMF, have positive effects on growth of tomato, pepper, sorghum, bean, pea and squash; being able to reduce traditional chemical fertilization by 35% without reducing crop yields.

Keywords: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, biofertilizers, Eisenia foetida, plant growth promoting microorganisms, vermicompost leachate.