WO2013098856A2 - A synergistic biofertilizer formulation involving earthworm cocoon - Google Patents
A synergistic biofertilizer formulation involving earthworm cocoon Download PDFInfo
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- WO2013098856A2 WO2013098856A2 PCT/IN2012/000848 IN2012000848W WO2013098856A2 WO 2013098856 A2 WO2013098856 A2 WO 2013098856A2 IN 2012000848 W IN2012000848 W IN 2012000848W WO 2013098856 A2 WO2013098856 A2 WO 2013098856A2
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C05—FERTILISERS; MANUFACTURE THEREOF
- C05F—ORGANIC FERTILISERS NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C05B, C05C, e.g. FERTILISERS FROM WASTE OR REFUSE
- C05F11/00—Other organic fertilisers
- C05F11/08—Organic fertilisers containing added bacterial cultures, mycelia or the like
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; CARE OF BIRDS, FISHES, INSECTS; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K67/00—Rearing or breeding animals, not otherwise provided for; New breeds of animals
- A01K67/033—Rearing or breeding invertebrates; New breeds of invertebrates
- A01K67/0332—Earthworms
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C05—FERTILISERS; MANUFACTURE THEREOF
- C05G—MIXTURES OF FERTILISERS COVERED INDIVIDUALLY BY DIFFERENT SUBCLASSES OF CLASS C05; MIXTURES OF ONE OR MORE FERTILISERS WITH MATERIALS NOT HAVING A SPECIFIC FERTILISING ACTIVITY, e.g. PESTICIDES, SOIL-CONDITIONERS, WETTING AGENTS; FERTILISERS CHARACTERISED BY THEIR FORM
- C05G3/00—Mixtures of one or more fertilisers with additives not having a specially fertilising activity
Abstract
A storage/ shelf stable activity enhancing biofertilizer formulation/ composition comprising earthworm cocoons and microorganism selected from Azotobacter and/or other Nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the presence of a bio compatible carrier synergistically facilitating increased activity of said microorganisms thus aiding in increased fertility of the soil. A storage stable biofertilizer formulation/composition comprising selectively encapsulated/ coated earthworm cocoons involving non-steamed rice grain paste based encapsulation/ coating material for extended storage stability and viability even after atleast 12 weeks post application and its process of encapsulation thereof.
Description
A SYNERGISTIC BIOFERTILIZER FORMULATION INVOLVING EARTHWORM COCOON
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a storage/ shelf stable activity enhancing biofertilizer formulation/ composition comprising earthworm cocoons and microorganism selected from Azotobacter and/or other Nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the presence of a bio compatible carrier synergistically facilitating increased activity of said microorganisms thus aiding in increased fertility of the soil. More particularly, the present invention relates to a storage stable biofertilizer formulation/composition comprising selectively encapsulated/ coated earthworm cocoons involving non-steamed rice grain paste based encapsulation/ coating material for extended storage stability and viability even after atleast 12 weeks post application and its process of encapsulation thereof. The encapsulated earthworm cocoons in the biofertilizer formulation/ composition of the present invention when added to the soil synergistically enhances soil fertility involving microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi, by way of advantageously retaining viable cocoons with viable eggs for a considerable period of time even after application in the fields in humid atmosphere to thus effectively increase the fertility of soil, productivity and yield of the same. Advantageously, a biofertilizer package is also provided comprising earthworm cocoons activated microorganism in effective concentrations having synergistically enhanced penetrating ability for soil fertilization.
BACKGROUD ART
The beneficial effect of earthworm (and encapusulated earthworm cocoons as the cocoons develops onto live earthworms) in the soil on the growth of crops is well documented. Earthworms can have important influences on physical and biological effects that affect the nutrient supply to plants. Earthworm burrows improve the water intake of the soil and helps in aeration and loosening of soil. By its burrowing actions, the earthworm is of great value in keeping the soil structure open, creating a multitude of channels which allow the processes of both aeration and drainage to occur. At the same time earthworms mobilize or shuffle the soil.
US6834614 discloses a method and apparatus for encapsulating earthworm cocoons that reduces the mortality rate of the worm eggs in the cocoon. The method includes the steps of obtaining histosol soil, drying the soil to powder, further moistening the cocoon and rolling it in the histosol powder to produce encapsulated earthworm cocoon. The method facilitates admixture of encapsulated cocoon and with crop seeds and implanting the crop seed and the admixed encapsulated cocoons.
In US5127186, a composition comprising the method of encapsulation and implanting of earthworm cocoons. The cocoons are encapsulated in the form of gel capsules having an external size and density equal to the crop seed. The supplementary dense material added in the gel capsule comprising seeds, pesticides, fertilizers, energy sources, growth promoters, growth regulators, polypropylene glycol, sodium alginate, guar gum and other gel agents.
Biofertilizers are eco-friendly organic agro-input and more cost-effective than chemical fertilizers. Bio-fertilizers such as Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Azospirillum and blue green algae (BGA) have been in use a long time. A standard biofertilizer formulation comprising nitrogen-fixing/phosphate solubilising organism such as Azotobacter along with carrier material such as peat or charcoal powder are commonly used now a days Nitrogen fixing bacteria such as Azotobacter or Rhizobium fixes atmospheric nitrogen in the soil. Their activity is well demonstrated and is found to increase the productivity and yield of the soil even in the tune of 100% compared to the control. Phosphate solubilizing bacteria is used to convert the inert phosphate of the soil.
However, in certain soil condition the efficacy of Azotobacter and even for some encapsulated earthworm cocoons is found to be limited even not observed. The reason is found to be due to the infertility of soil and lack of penetration of Azotobacter in the depth of the soil, and also loss of viable eggs in the cocoon due to the ineffective protection rendered by the encapsulated material based barrier to the cocoon. Earthworms cannot fix or supplement Nitrogen in the soil, rather they are dependent on the nitrogen available in the soil and the 'yield increase' is limited in contrast to nitrogen applied in the soil directly.
Hence there is a need in the art to develop a biofertilizer formulation/ composition and a method of preparing the same, to circumvent the prior art problems of increasing the efficacy of the biofertilizer based actives selected from azotobacter and curtail the loss of viable eggs in the cocoon.
While the presence of nitrogen fixing bacteria in a biofertilizer formulation can increase the yield and the productivity of the soil, the same in some cases is found to be dependent on the fertility of the soil, effective concentrations of the microorganisms that can be provided by way of a formulation/ composition and in some cases is dependent on the encapsulation of cocoons and the type of the encapsulation material used that is found to play a significant
role to prolong the time the cocoons can be stored with viable eggs prior to being buried in the ground to hatch the earthworms.
As apparent form the abovesaid, there is thus also a longfelt need to provide for encapsulated earthworm cocoons to be provided in a biofertilizer formulation/ composition and processes related thereto such that cocoons can be stored with viable eggs for a considerable period of time prior to being buried in the ground/ application in the field and also after exposure to humid atmosphere post application in the fields to result in live earthworms.
Thus, it is important to develop a formulation/composition that increases the fertility of soil and thereby increasing the productivity and yield of the crops.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
Thus, the primary object of the present invention is to provide for a storage stable activity enhancing biofertilizer formulation/composition involving cocoons and microorganisms whereby the fertility of the soil can be synergistically increased by increasing the efficacy of the microorganisms to thereby increase the productivity and yield of the crop.
It is another object of the present invention to provide for said biofertilizer formulation/composition involving effective concentration of microorganisms with cocoons and a biocompatible carrier adapted for enhanced nitrogen fixation and hence improved biofertilizer yield.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide for biofertilizer formulation/composition with or without biofertilizer actives comprising selectively encapsulated earthworm cocoons adapted to synergistically enhance the fertility of the soil by maintaining viability of the earthworm cocoons for a considerable period of time to retain viable eggs to thereby result in live earthworms without any loss prior to being buried in the ground/ application in the fields.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide for a biofertilizer formulation/composition comprising said selectively encapsulated earthworm cocoons that would retain viable eggs for a considerable period of time to thereby result in live earthworms without any loss of earthworms even after exposure to humid atmosphere in being buried in the ground/ post application in the fields.
Yet another object of present invention is to provide for a biofertilizer composition/formulation that can be stored for longer period of time and hence storage/ shelf stable whereby the fertility of the soil can also be synergistically increased by retaining the viability of the earthworm cocoons with viable eggs for a considerable period of time to thereby enhance the productivity and yields of the crops.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide for a method of encapsulating said earthworm cocoons involving cost effective ingredients which method in involving a simpler process and having simpler process parameters would be facile for easy encapsulation, blending with other biofertilizer based actives and final application on the fields.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Thus according to the basic aspect of the present invention there is provided a storage stable activity enhancing biofertilizer formulation/composition comprising a synergistic combination of earthworm cocoons and microorganism selected from Azotobacter and/or other Nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the presence of a bio compatible carrier adapted to synergistically enhance the soil fertility and yield.
According to another preferred aspect of the present invention there is provided said storage stable activity enhancing biofertilizer formulation/composition adapted for synergistically enhanced biofertilizer activity by way of favourable proportionate change in microorganism level vis-a-vis cocoon during storage.
Importantly, the storage stable activity enhancing biofertilizer formulation/composition of the present invention in involving earthworm cocoons in conjugation with microorganisms such as Nitrogen fixing bacteria including Azotobacter, and/or Rhizobium is found to favour increased activity of the microorganisms by way of its effective penetration in the soil to thereby increase its efficacy in the fixation of nitrogen in the soil and in turn synergistically enhance the biofertilizer yield. Such synergistic biofertilizer formulation/ composition is thus storage/ shelf stable favouring effective proportionate build up of the bacterial levels in the presence of synergistic carrier and cocoons required for effective fixation of nitrogen in the soil and further in involving earthworm cocoons facilitate packaging and marketing vis-a-vis not so practicable use of adult earthworms in the formulation that are relatively expensive
and misfit for storage and economical shipping because of the weight of the mediurr required to enable the worms to survive for several days.
It is also surprisingly found by way of the present invention that selective encapsulation o the earthworm cocoons by paste of non-steamed rice grains retains viable eggs for e considerable period of time even after 12 weeks post application resulting in live earthworms without any loss of earthworms even after exposure to humid atmosphere aftei getting buried in the ground.
Advantageously, it has been found that the involvement of such cocoons and selectively encapsulated earthworm cocoons and not the adult earthworm as such is beneficial for the biofertilizer since the packaging and marketing of the biofertilizer becomes simpler due tc the complete absence of any loss of earthworms before application favouring effective involvement in the nitrogen cycle of the soil to thereby increase the fertility of the soil.
According to another preferred aspect of the present invention there is provided saic storage stable activity enhancing biofertilizer formulation/ composition comprising
(a) earthworm cocoons at the levels of atleast 1 cocoon per 10 to 50 gm of carrier ;
(b) microorganisms comprising atleast 107 to 108 bacteria preferably Azotobacter per grarr of carrier. According to yet another preferred aspect of the present invention there is provided saic storage stable activity enhancing biofertilizer formulation/composition comprising suitable biocompatible carrier materials selected from charcoal powder, rice husk ash, french chalk and soapstone powder and the like but not limited to any of them.
According to yet another preferred aspect of the present invention there is provided saic storage stable activity enhancing biofertilizer formulation/composition as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims wherein said cocoon is encapsulated / coated involving non-steamed rice grain paste based encapsulation/ coating material.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided said storage stable biofertilizer formulation/composition comprising encapsulated/ coated earthworm cocoons involving non-steamed rice grain paste based encapsulation/ coating material for extended storage stability and viability even after atleast 12 weeks post application.
Surprisingly said encapsulated cocoons and the method of encapsulation provided by the present invention is easy and advantageous for retaining the viability of the earthworm eggs for a considerable period of time vis-a-vis the encapsulated cocoons and the known methods of such encapsulation with histosol soil available in the state of the art as it is extremely difficult to find good histosol soil with fine grains easily, whereby rolling of cocoons on histolic soil is also difficult compared to simply dipping the cocoons in non- steamed rice grain paste that is much easier to handle without any need for rolling as per the method of the present invention. Further the histosol soil is found to be disadvantageous in containing different components that includes pesticides or virulent bacteria, virus, fungus etc. which are harmful to the cocoons themselves or plants whereas the presence of said components in rice grain paste is remote and can be completely avoided.
Preferably, in said storage stable biofertilizer formulation/composition said non-steamed rice grain paste based encapsulation/ coating material is present in combination with or without microorganisms and bio compatible carrier materials to enhance the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen in the soil favouring enhanced biofertilizer yield.
More preferably, in said storage stable biofertilizer formulation/composition said microorganisms are selected from Nitrogen-fixing bacteria, Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), and/or other bacteria and fungi including trichoderma species, present individually or in combination with two or more species; and wherein suitable biofertilizer based carrier materials are selected from peat-soil, histosol-soil, charcoal powder, rice husk ash, french chalk and soapstone powder and not limited to any of these.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided said process for the manufacture of said storage stable activity enhancing biofertilizer formulation/composition comprising providing selectively a synergistic combination of earthworm cocoons and microorganism selected from Azotobacter and/or other Nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the presence of a bio compatible carrier adapted to synergistically enhance the soil fertility and yield.
According to yet another preferred aspect of the present invention said process for the manufacture of said storage stable activity enhancing biofertilizer formulation/composition comprises the steps of providing
(a) earthworm cocoons at the levels of at least 1 cocoon per 10-50 gm of carrier;
(b) microorganism comprising at least 107 to 108 bacteria preferably Azotobacter per gram of carrier to obtain said biofertilizer formulation/composition therefrom.
According to another preferred aspect of the present invention there is provided said process for the manufacture of a storage stable biofertilizer formulation/composition comprising the steps of providing encapsulated/ coated earthworm cocoons involving non- steamed rice grain paste based encapsulation/ coating material adapted for extended storage stability and viability even after atleast 12 weeks post application.
According to yet another preferred aspect of the present invention there is provided said process for the manufacture of a biofertilizer formulation/composition wherein said step of providing earthworm cocoons comprises providing encapsulated earthworm cocoons involving the steps of
(a) pulverizing non-steamed rice grains with about equivalent amount of water in a high speed rotary grinder/mixer or a mortar pestle for about 5 to 30 minutes preferably 15 minutes to provide for a paste;
(b) dipping the earthworm cocoons into the paste to adhere the paste thereupon;
(c) air drying the cocoons under ambient conditions in normal dry air for about 6-12 hours;
(d) optionally, blending with microorganisms and bio compatible carrier materials to obtain said encapsulated earthworm cocoons therefrom.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of improving the fertility of the soil comprising the steps of
(a) providing a storage stable earthworm activating biofertilizer formulation/composition comprising a synergistic combination of earthworm cocoons and microorganism selected from Azotobacter and/or other Nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the presence of a bio compatible carrier;
(b) applying said biofertilizer formulation/composition on the soil to synergistically enhance the activity of said microorganism by way of enhanced penetrating ability and nitrogen fixation for soil fertilization. Preferably, in said method of improving the fertility of the soil said step (a) comprises providing individually and /or together
(a) earthworm cocoons at the levels of atleast 1 cocoon per 10 to 50 gm of carrier ;
(b) microorganisms comprising atleast 107 to 108 bacteria preferably Azotobacter per gram of carrier.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of improving the fertility of the soil comprising the steps of
(a) providing a storage stable activity enhancing biofertilizer formulation/composition comprising encapsulated/ coated earthworm cocoons involving non-steamed rice grain paste based encapsulation/ coating material;
(b) applying the biofertilizer formulation/composition on the soil to enhance the soil fertility and yield by retaining the viability of the cocoons even after atleast 12 weeks post application. Advantageously, the present invention provides use of a storage stable activity enhancing biofertilizer formulation/composition comprising a synergistic combination of earthworm cocoons and microorganisms selected from Azotobacter and/or other Nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the presence of a bio compatible carrier to synergistically enhance the soil fertility and yield.
More advantageously, there is provided said use of a storage stable activity enhancing biofertilizer formulation/composition adapted for synergistically enhanced biofertilizer activity by way of favourable proportionate change in microorganism level vis-a-vis cocoon during storage.
According to yet another preferred aspect of the present invention there is provided use of a storage stable earthworm activating biofertilizer formulation/ composition comprising
(a) earthworm cocoons at the levels of atleast 1 cocoon per 10 to 50 gm of carrier ;
(b) microorganisms comprising atleast 107 to 108 bacteria preferably Azotobacter per gram of carrier. According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided use of a storage stable biofertiiizer formulation/composition comprising encapsulated/ coated earthworm cocoons involving non-steamed rice grain paste based encapsulation/ coating material for extended storage stability and viability even after about atleast 12 weeks post application. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a biofertiiizer package comprising earthworm cocoons and microorganism selected from Azotobacter and/or other Nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the presence of a bio compatible carrier adapted to synergistically enhance the soil fertility and yield by way of enhanced penetrating ability and nitrogen fixation for soil fertilization.
Preferably, said package is adapted for synergistically enhanced biofertiiizer activity by way of favourable proportionate change in microorganism level vis-a-vis cocoon during storage.
More preferably, in said biofertiiizer package is provided wherein said package comprises (a) earthworm cocoons at the levels of atleast 1 cocoon per 10 to 50 gm of carrier;
(b) microorganisms comprising atleast 107 to 108 bacteria preferably Azotobacter per gram of carrier.
The present invention is discussed hereunder in greater details in relation to the non- limiting exemplary illustrations and Figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES:
Figures 1 and 2: Graphical representation showing the biofertiiizer yield including no supplement (n) and minus (n).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
As discussed hereinbefore the present invention provides for a storage/ shelf stable activity enhancing biofertiiizer formulation/ composition comprising a synergistic combination of earthworm cocoons and microorganisms selected from bacteria and fungal spores
synergistically facilitating increased activity of said microorganisms thus aiding in increased fertility of the soil.
In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a storage stable biofertilizer formulation/composition comprising encapsulated/ coated earthworm cocoons involving non-steamed rice grain paste based encapsulation/ coating material for extended storage stability and viability even after about atleast 12 weeks post application together with or without biofertilizer based actives and other soil benefiting agents as carrier materials. Another aspect of the present invention provides for a process of said encapsulation. The encapsulated earthworm cocoons in the biofertilizer formulation/ composition of the present invention when added to the soil synergistically enhances soil fertility involving microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi, by way of advantageously retaining viable cocoons with viable eggs for a considerable period of time post application in the fields after about at least 12 weeks in humid atmosphere to thus effectively increase the fertility of soil, productivity and yield of the same.
Said biofertilizer formulation/composition of the present invention comprising said selectively encapsulated earthworm cocoons advantageously retains viable eggs for a considerable period of time even after at least about 12 weeks post application that results in live earthworms without any loss of earthworms even after exposure to humid atmosphere after getting buried in the ground. Increased aeration and mobilization/shuffling of the soil for a considerable period of time, further aids in the increased fertility of the soil.
In another aspect the present invention provides for a process for the manufacture of said synergistic biofertilizer formulation/ composition and more particularly, also provides for the manufacture of said selectively encapsulated earthworm cocoons that may be blended with or without other biofertilizer based actives and soil benefiting agents as carrier materials adapted to effectively increase the fertility of soil, productivity and yield of the same.
Biofertilizers suitable for the formulation of the invention can be any known biofertilizer including Nitrogen fixing bacteria and/or other bacteria and fungi such as Phosphate Solubilising Bacteria (PSB) or Trichoderma.
The earthworms with their natural activity increase the aeration of the soils and vertically shuffle the soil layers. The activities aid bacteria to go in depth of the soil and find necessary air to fix Nitrogen out of the trapped air. Importantly, the penetration aided by
the earthworms (or cocoons which develops into earthworms) also helps other bacteria and fungi to show better efficacy.
According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a biofertilizer formulation/composition comprising earthworm cocoons encapsulated with paste of non- steamed rice grains in combination with or without biofertilizer based actives and soil benefiting agents as carrier materials for synergistically enhancing the fertility of the soil and increasing the yields of crops.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process for manufacturing said biofertilizer formulation/composition comprising the steps of (a) encapsulating the earthworm cocoons with paste of non-steamed rice grains;
(b) optionally, blending biofertilizer based actives to obtain therefrom said biofertilizer formulation/composition.
The encapsulation/coating material for the earthworm cocoon may also include gel or histosol soil or peat soil which can also act as good carrier for the bio-fertilizer based actives. Optionally, there can be also other carrier for bacteria or fungi such as charcoal powder or rice husk ash.
The earthworm cocoons can thus be encapsulated/ coated to add value and purpose for the provision of viable earthworm cocoons in combination with the bacteria /other biofertilizers that remains viable for a considerable period of time post application and in humid atmosphere for at least 12 weeks.
Suitable encapsulation materials for encapsulation of earthworm cocoons may also include peat-soil, histosol-soil, charcoal powder, rice husk ash, French chalk and soapstone powder in combination with paste of non-steamed rice grains.
Suitable carrier materials of the bacteria includes charcoal powder, rice husk ash, peat-soil, French-chalk, soapstone powder.
The above nature of the invention is further illustrated in more detail in relation to a non- limiting exemplary illustration of the same as per the following examples:
EXAMPLE 1: Control Biofertilizer formulation
A standard biofertilizer formulation/composition was obtained involving a combination of
a) 107 to 108 Azotobacter bacteria per gram with wild strain;
b) Rice husk ash carrier.
EXAMPLE 2: Biofertilizer formulation/ composition involving Earthworm Cocoon in accordance with the present invention A novel biofertilizer formulation/composition involving earthworm cocoon was obtained comprising of the following synergic combination : a) 107 to 108 Azotobacter bacteria per gm with wild strain;
b) Rice husk ash carrier; and
c) 1 cocoon per 10 gm. Both the above control bio-formulation (Example 1) and bio-formulation of the invention (Example 2) were tried in the fields and it was found after several filed trials that in case of the biofertilizer formulation/ composition of the present invention involving the earthworm cocoons along with the Azotobacter, in all the trials there was about 5-50% increased yield in comparison to the control formulation thereby establishing that indeed the earthworm cocoons in combination with Azotobactor increases the efficacy of the later to be an effective synergistic facilitator for increasing the fertility of the soil.
EXAMPLE 3:
Experiment Site : In Tepesia garden near Guwahati (Assam) Backdrop: All chemical fertilizers were used till date nitrogen was supplemented by UREA. Experiment: Four areas were selected with similar yield and nature. The study was conducted in the complete absence of urea as nitrogen supplement.
On day one four zones were broadcasted with the following supplements as given below:
1. b: Azotobacter preparation 25 kg per hectare with 107 CFU per gram. This is a standard dose; 2. b+c: Same dose of Azotobacter is given with around (as per the formulation) earthworm cocoons;
3. n : No supplement;
4. c: Only cocoons are broadcasted.
As per normal practice these areas were plucked ~ once a week. The plucking data is collected for a period of seven months and are provided hereunder in Table 1 below.
Table 1
%wise 89 216 8 b-n : extra yield for bacteria; c+b-n : extra yield for bacteria and cocoon together; c-n : extra yield for cocoon Said tabular data was plotted as curves as per Fig 1 and Fig 2. Analysing the data counts under Table 1 and also in Table 2 revealed that upon considering the maximum count of 610 (under si. no. 13) under the column (c+b) and subtracting 225 (n, value or the control value under si. no. 13) from 610 to get the additional yield by the fertilizer of the present invention results in an unexpectedly high value of 385, which is indeed surprising and hence synergistically enhanced when the individual yields by (b)-(n) and (c)-(n) are considered.
Curves under Figs 1 and 2 similarly reveal the same pattern for the entire data set ( 1-30) and is thus clearly suggestive that application of either only cocoon or only Azotobacter
preparation failed to improve nitrogen supplementation of the soil and hence gave poor tc moderate fertilizer yield when the bacteria is considered alone. However, the yield jumps many folds when the biofertilizer formulation of the present invention is provided comprising both Aztobactor and the cocoon thereby clearly indicating the synergistic enhancement ol the efficacy of the azotobactor and hence the activity of the biofertilizer in turn leading tc improved crop yield. More such synergy was found to hold good for all soil types.
EXAMPLE 4: Results of the biofertilizer formulation/ composition involving Earthworm Cocoon in accordance with the present invention
At Midnapur, Garbeta in West Bengal, three; one acre plot of similar yielding quality and soil types are identified A, B, and C. Plot A is treated as Control. In Plot B Nitrogen supplement is given as 10 Kg Azotobacter preparation of Strength 105-106 CFU per gram (3X105 /gm) with earthworm cocoons. Plot C is supplemented with 10 kg Azotobacter preparation of Strength 107-108 CFU per gram (9X107/gm) with equivalent earthworm cocoons as in Plot B. Under normal bacteria l culture highest concentration of Azotobacter obtained is 109 Level. When 30% of the culture is added to the biocompatible carrier of the present invention it reaches a level of 10s and Colony Forming Units (CFU) observed even after 6 months is close to 108/gm. Often this is referred as 107 minimum. The results of yield in Rice and Potato cultivation are tabulated as below :
Non-steamed rice grains (Dehusked, Non-steamed "ATAB CHAL") plus same amount ol water was pulverized in a high speed rotary grinder/mixer or a mortar pestle for about 15 minutes. After such pulverization a thin white coloured paste is obtained.
The cocoons are then dipped into the paste and taken out. A thin film of paste gets adhered to the entire surface of the cocoons following which the layered cocoons are air dried for about 6-12 hrs in normal dry air.
Such encapsulated cocoons are storage stable and retain viable eggs that gives live earthworms without any loss of earthworms. More advantageously, such said encapsulated cocoons even when applied in the field and exposed to humid atmosphere results in live earthworms without any earthworm loss even after at least 12 weeks.
The method of encapsulation of the present invention is easy and advantageous for retaining the viability of the earthworm eggs for a considerable period of time vis-a-vis the known methods of encapsulation with histosol soil as it is extremely difficult to find good histosol soil with fine grains easily, whereby rolling of cocoons on histosol soil is also difficult compared to simply dipping the cocoons in non-steamed rice grain paste that is much easier to handle without any need for rolling. Further the histosol soil contains different components such as pesticides or virulent bacteria, virus, fungus etc. which are harmful to the cocoons themselves or plant whereas the presence of said components in rice grain paste is remote or can be completely avoided.
Thus it can be clearly concluded that such selectively encapsulated earthworm cocoons encapsulated with paste of non-steamed rice grains with or without Nitrogen-fixing bacteria, Phosphate solubilizing bacteria, and trichoderma species, present individually or in combination with two or more species, surprisingly increases the efficiency of all soil types to thus increase the crop yield substantially.
It is thus made possible by way of the present advancement to provide for a storage/ shelf stable bio-fertilizer formulation/ composition comprising earthworm cocoons and microorganisms selected from Azotobacter and/or other Nitrogen-fixing bacteria synergistically facilitating increased aeration and mobilization/shuffling of the soil and hence
increased fertility of the soil by way of enhancing the efficacy of the biofertilizer based actives.
A biofertilizer formulation/composition is also provided comprising selectively encapsulated earthworm cocoons involving paste of non-steamed rice grains as encapsulation/ coating material together with or without bio compatible carrier and a process of encapsulation thereof, advantageously whereby viable cocoons are retained with viable eggs for a considerable period of time both prior to addition and post application in the fields even in humid atmosphere to thus effectively increase the fertility of soil, productivity and yield of the same. Said biofertilizer formulation/composition of the present invention comprising said selectively encapsulated earthworm cocoons advantageously retains viable eggs for a considerable period of time even after at least 12 weeks post application that results in live earthworms without any loss of earthworms even after exposure to humid atmosphere after getting buried in the ground. As a result of increased aeration and mobilization/shuffling of the soil for a considerable period of time, further aids in the increased fertility of the soil.
The present advancement also provides for a process for the said encapsulation of earthworm cocoons involving cost effective ingredients thus facilitating easy encapsulation, blending with other biofertilizer based actives and final application in the fields thus improving the methods of soil fertilization under conventional practice by way of being able to provide for effective concentration of bacteria and in addition effectively maintaining the viability of the earthworm cocoons even after application in the fields and under humid conditions for a considerable period of time so that it can effectively get involved in the nitrogen fixation cycle of the soil.
Claims
1. A storage stable activity enhancing biofertilizer formulation/composition comprising e synergistic combination of earthworm cocoons and microorganism selected frorr Azotobacter and/or other Nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the presence of a bio compatible carriei adapted to synergistically enhance the soil fertility and yield.
2. A storage stable activity enhancing biofertilizer formulation/composition as claimed ir claim 1 adapted for synergistically enhanced biofertilizer activity by way of favourable proportionate change in microorganism level vis-a-vis cocoon during storage.
3. A storage stable activity enhancing biofertilizer formulation/ composition as claimed ir anyone of claims 1 or 2 comprising
(a) earthworm cocoons at the levels of atleast 1 cocoon per 10 to 50 gm of carrier;
(b) microorganisms comprising atleast 107 to 108 bacteria preferably Azotobacter per gram of carrier.
4. A storage stable activity enhancing biofertilizer formulation/composition as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims comprising suitable biocompatible carrier materials selected from charcoal powder, rice husk ash, french chalk and soapstone powder.
5. A storage stable activity enhancing biofertilizer formulation/composition as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims wherein said cocoon is encapsulated / coated involving non- steamed rice grain paste based encapsulation/ coating material.
6. A storage stable biofertilizer formulation/composition comprising encapsulated/ coated earthworm cocoons involving non-steamed rice grain paste based encapsulation/ coating material for extended storage stability and viability even after atleast 12 weeks post application.
7. A storage stable biofertilizer formulation/composition as claimed in claim 6 wherein said non-steamed rice grain paste based encapsulation/ coating material is present in combination with or without microorganisms and bio compatible carrier materials to enhance the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen in the soil favouring enhanced biofertilizer yield.
8. A storage stable biofertilizer formulation/composition as claimed in anyone of claims 6 o 7 wherein said microorganisms are selected from Nitrogen-fixing bacteria, Phosphati solubilizing bacteria (PSB), and/or other bacteria and fungi including trichoderma species present individually or in combination with two or more species; and wherein suitabli biofertilizer based carrier materials are selected from peat-soil, histosol-soil, charcoa powder, rice husk ash, french chalk and soapstone powder.
9. A process for the manufacture of a storage stable activity enhancing biofertilize formulation/composition as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 5 comprising providing selectively a synergistic combination of earthworm cocoons and microorganism selectee from Azotobacter and/or other Nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the presence of a bio compatiblf carrier adapted to synergistically enhance the soil fertility and yield.
10. A process for the manufacture of a storage stable activity enhancing biofertilize formulation/composition as claimed in claim 9 comprising the steps of providing"
(a) earthworm cocoons at the levels of at least 1 cocoon per 10-50 gm of carrier;
(b) microorganism comprising at least 107 to 108 bacteria preferably Azotobacter per grarr of carrier to obtain said biofertilizer formulation/composition therefrom.
11. A process for the manufacture of a storage stable biofertilizer formulation/compositior as claimed in claims 6 to 8 comprising the steps of providing encapsulated/ coatee earthworm cocoons involving non-steamed rice grain paste based encapsulation/ coatinc material adapted for extended storage stability and viability even after atleast 12 week; post application.
12. A process for the manufacture of a biofertilizer formulation/composition as claimed ir claims 9-11 wherein said step of providing earthworm cocoons comprises providinc encapsulated earthworm cocoons involving the steps of
(a) pulverizing non-steamed rice grains with about equivalent amount of water in a higf speed rotary grinder/mixer or a mortar pestle for about 5 to 30 minutes preferably li minutes to provide for a paste;
(b) dipping the earthworm cocoons into the paste to adhere the paste thereupon;
(c) air drying the cocoons under ambient conditions in normal dry air for about 6-12 hours; (d) optionally, blending with microorganisms and bio compatible carrier materials to obtaii said encapsulated earthworm cocoons therefrom.
13. A biofertilizer package comprising earthworm cocoons and microorganism selected fron Azotobacter and/or other Nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the presence of a bio compatible carrie adapted to synergisticaiiy enhance the soil fertility and yield by way of enhance* penetrating, ability and nitrogen fixation for soil fertilization.
14. A biofertilizer package as claimed in claim 13 wherein said package is adapted fo synergisticaiiy enhanced biofertilizer activity by way of favourable proportionate change ii microorganism level vis-a-vis cocoon during storage.
15. A biofertilizer package as claimed in anyone of claims 13 or 14 wherein said packagi comprises
(a) earthworm cocoons at the levels of atleast 1 cocoon per 10 to 50 gm of carrier ;
(b) microorganisms comprising atleast 107 to 10s bacteria preferably Azotobacter per gran of carrier.
16. A method of improving the fertility of the soil comprising the steps of
(a) providing a storage stable earthworm activating biofertilizer formulation/compositioi comprising a synergistic combination of earthworm cocoons and microorganism selectei from Azotobacter and/or other Nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the presence of a bio compatibl< carrier;
(b) applying said biofertilizer formulation/composition on the soil to synergisticaiiy enhano the activity of said microorganism by way of enhanced penetrating ability and nitrogei fixation for soil fertilization.
17. A method of improving the fertility of the soil as claimed in claim 16 wherein said ste|
(a) comprises providing individually and /or together
(a) earthworm cocoons at the levels of atleast 1 cocoon per 10 to 50 gm of carrier ;
(b) microorganisms comprising atleast 107 to 108 bacteria preferably Azotobacter per gran of carrier.
18. A method of improving the fertility of the soil comprising the steps of (a) providing a storage stable activity enhancing biofertilizer formulation/compositio comprising encapsulated/ coated earthworm cocoons involving non-steamed rice grain past based encapsulation/ coating material ;
(b) applying the biofertilizer formulation/composition on the soil to enhance the soil fertilit and yield by retaining the viability of the cocoons even after atleast 12 weeks pos application.
19. Use of a storage stable activity enhancing biofertilizer formulation/compositio comprising a synergistic combination of earthworm cocoons and microorganisms selecte from Azotobacter and/or other Nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the presence of a bio compatibl carrier to synergistically enhance the soil fertility and yield .
20. Use of a storage stable activity enhancing biofertilizer formulation/composition a claimed in claim 19 adapted for synergistically enhanced biofertilizer activity by way c favourable proportionate change in microorganism level vis-a-vis cocoon during storage.
21. Use of a storage stable activity enhancing biofertilizer formulation/ composition a claimed in anyone of claims 19 or 20 comprising
(a) earthworm cocoons at the levels of atleast 1 cocoon per 10 to 50 gm of carrier ;
(b) microorganisms comprising atleast 107 to 108 bacteria preferably Azotobacter per gran of carrier.
22. Use of a storage stable activity enhancing biofertilizer formulation/compositioi comprising encapsulated/ coated earthworm cocoons involving non-steamed rice grain past based encapsulation/ coating material for extended storage stability and viability even afte about atleast 12 weeks post application.
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| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| IN1495/KOL/2011 | 2011-12-25 | ||
| IN1495KO2011 | 2011-12-25 |
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| WO2013098856A2 true WO2013098856A2 (en) | 2013-07-04 |
| WO2013098856A3 WO2013098856A3 (en) | 2013-10-10 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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| PCT/IN2012/000848 WO2013098856A2 (en) | 2011-12-25 | 2012-12-26 | A synergistic biofertilizer formulation involving earthworm cocoon |
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| WO (1) | WO2013098856A2 (en) |
Cited By (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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| WO2017069717A1 (en) | 2015-10-20 | 2017-04-27 | Isildak Ibrahim | A biofertilizer formulation |
| CN108077189A (en) * | 2017-12-25 | 2018-05-29 | 吴名根 | A kind of earthworm is mostly for hybrid selection method |
| EP3424328A1 (en) | 2017-07-04 | 2019-01-09 | Newpek S.A. De C.V. | A bacterial inoculating formulation based on a microorganism consortium of genus calothrix sp. to increase yield and quality of vegetable crops, the method for manufacturing the formulation and uses thereof |
| CN110122428A (en) * | 2019-06-13 | 2019-08-16 | 上海市农业科学院 | A kind of crop rotation cultural method |
| CN110810338A (en) * | 2019-11-06 | 2020-02-21 | 华中农业大学 | Method for realizing soil fertility improvement and non-point source pollution emission reduction of slope orange garden by matching earthworm ecological ditch with green manure planting |
| CN113956105A (en) * | 2021-12-14 | 2022-01-21 | 中国农业科学院农业资源与农业区划研究所 | Compound water-soluble microbial fertilizer and preparation and application methods thereof |
| CN114621770A (en) * | 2022-03-29 | 2022-06-14 | 福建龙净环保股份有限公司 | Soil heavy metal pollution conditioner and preparation method and application thereof |
| CN115067282A (en) * | 2022-06-29 | 2022-09-20 | 广东省科学院生态环境与土壤研究所 | Water demand automatic adjustment earthworm transportation method and device |
| CN117736036A (en) * | 2024-02-04 | 2024-03-22 | 广东中施龙泰低碳科技有限公司 | Method for preparing bio-organic fertilizer by recycling earthworm feces |
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Cited By (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2017069717A1 (en) | 2015-10-20 | 2017-04-27 | Isildak Ibrahim | A biofertilizer formulation |
| EP3424328A1 (en) | 2017-07-04 | 2019-01-09 | Newpek S.A. De C.V. | A bacterial inoculating formulation based on a microorganism consortium of genus calothrix sp. to increase yield and quality of vegetable crops, the method for manufacturing the formulation and uses thereof |
| CN108077189A (en) * | 2017-12-25 | 2018-05-29 | 吴名根 | A kind of earthworm is mostly for hybrid selection method |
| CN110122428A (en) * | 2019-06-13 | 2019-08-16 | 上海市农业科学院 | A kind of crop rotation cultural method |
| CN110810338A (en) * | 2019-11-06 | 2020-02-21 | 华中农业大学 | Method for realizing soil fertility improvement and non-point source pollution emission reduction of slope orange garden by matching earthworm ecological ditch with green manure planting |
| CN110810338B (en) * | 2019-11-06 | 2021-09-21 | 华中农业大学 | Method for realizing soil fertility improvement and non-point source pollution emission reduction of slope orange garden by matching earthworm ecological ditch with green manure planting |
| CN113956105A (en) * | 2021-12-14 | 2022-01-21 | 中国农业科学院农业资源与农业区划研究所 | Compound water-soluble microbial fertilizer and preparation and application methods thereof |
| CN113956105B (en) * | 2021-12-14 | 2022-08-26 | 中国农业科学院农业资源与农业区划研究所 | Compound water-soluble microbial fertilizer and preparation and application methods thereof |
| CN114621770A (en) * | 2022-03-29 | 2022-06-14 | 福建龙净环保股份有限公司 | Soil heavy metal pollution conditioner and preparation method and application thereof |
| CN115067282A (en) * | 2022-06-29 | 2022-09-20 | 广东省科学院生态环境与土壤研究所 | Water demand automatic adjustment earthworm transportation method and device |
| CN117736036A (en) * | 2024-02-04 | 2024-03-22 | 广东中施龙泰低碳科技有限公司 | Method for preparing bio-organic fertilizer by recycling earthworm feces |
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| WO2013098856A3 (en) | 2013-10-10 |
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