Biofertilizers that associate biological P-solubilization
and plant
disease control are sustainable alternatives to mitigate the impact
of conventional phosphate fertilizers and agrochemicals in agriculture.
However, the economic aspect is critical given that these bio-based
products innovate in well-consolidated markets. Thus, we proposed
and evaluated, from a techno-economic analysis (TEA) perspective,
three different processes for biofertilizer production. The cases
differ in terms of downstream processing and the use of single (SM)
or double microorganisms (DM), following the concept of a granule bioreactor. In SM cases, Trichoderma
asperelloides fungi act as a biocontrol agent, while
in the DM case, Aspergillus niger fungi
are added to promote P-solubilization. The lowest minimum biofertilizer
selling price (MBSP) was US$1.06/kg, attributed to the cases with
fewer downstream steps. Moreover, the global sensitivity and uncertainty
analyses indicated that the substrate cost and the final product composition
significantly impact the MBSP, which fluctuates from US$0.87 to 1.29/kg.
These values demonstrate the biofertilizers’ competitiveness
since, in addition to promoting soil fertilization, they can help
control plant pathogens in a sustainable way.