The effect of beneficial microorganism as biofertilizer application in hydroponic-grown tomato

Abstract

<p>The use of N<sub>2</sub>-fixing bacteria and growth hormone-producing rhizobacteria delivers nitrogen, enhances nutrients absorption by plants, and reduces the usage of inorganic fertilizers. Implementing biofertilizer in the hydroponic system as a means to reduce application of synthetic nutrient is recently in interest due to economic, food safety, and sustainability factors. This study determines the effects of biofertilizer dose on tomato yields in the hydroponics system. A randomized block design was utilized that consisted of seven treatments, namely 100% inorganic fertilizer and 0% biofertilizer (control), and various doses of inorganic nutrient combined with 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% biofertilizer. The result illustrated that the application of biofertilizer augmented the population of endophytic bacteria, <em>Azotobacter</em> sp., <em>Azospirillum</em> sp., phosphate solubilizing bacteria, and nitrogen content. The distinct combination of biofertilizer did not alter the phosphorus and potassium content compared to control samples however resulted in superior tomato grade. The 50% inorganic fertilizer and 100% biofertilizer combination amplified the weight of the fruit by 36% compared to the control. This finding indicates that the application of biofertilizers in the hydroponic system for tomato plants is not only beneficial in minimizing the dosage of inorganic fertilizers but also enhancing the fruit quality.</p>

Enhancing Upland Rice Growth and Yield with Indigenous Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) Isolate at N-Fertilizers Dosage

“…A higher population of N-fixing bacteria indicates elevated biochemical activity and an improved soil quality. Consistent with other findings, research has reported that biofertilizer treatments have a positive impact on the population of microorganisms in the rhizosphere, leading to an increase in the population of N-fixing bacteria [50,51].…”

Enhancing the Yield, Quality and Antioxidant Content of Lettuce through Innovative and Eco-Friendly Biofertilizer Practices in Hydroponics

“…They play a crucial role in enhancing plant growth through various mechanisms. They facilitate phosphorus dissolution, nitrogen fixation and an improved mineral uptake, thereby promoting efficient nutrient utilization and enhancing both shoot and root development [28,38,46]. Additionally, PGPR can enhance a plant's resistance to diseases and abiotic stresses by influencing plant secondary metabolism, detoxifying heavy metals, regulating ethylene levels and emitting volatile organic compounds [47,48].…”

“…These environmentally friendly fertilizers also contribute to reducing carbon emissions in the environment. The practical application of rhizobacterial processes, such as biofertilization, phyto-remediation and cross-protection, depends on the ability to produce desired strains and the existing population of microorganisms [28]. Many rhizobacteria benefit plant growth and enhance plant tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses [29,30].…”