Comparing plant growth-promoting potential of cow dung based fermented bioformulations across cow breeds

Abstract

Traditional Indian bioformulations such as Panchagavya, Jeevamrit, Beejamrit, Matka-khad, and others have long provided sustainable, eco-friendly means to enhance crop growth and protection by using natural materials. In this study, fermented bioformulations based on cow dung and urine from indigenous and exotic cow breeds were compared for plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits, antifungal and enzyme activities to support sustainable agriculture. Physico-chemical analysis revealed that bioformulations made with the indigenous Pahari breed had the highest N, P, K values: Jeevamrit (N 0.232%, P 0.050%, K 0.086%), Beejamrit (N 0.483%, P 0.124%, K 0.297%), Ghanjeevamrit (N 1.38%, P 0.468%, K 0.993%) and Matka-khad (N 0.995%, P 0.051%, K 0.226%). Among microbial counts, Pahari lactating bioformulation showed the maximum (28.5 × 10⁶ cfu/ml), followed by Pahari dry (27.8 × 10⁶ cfu/ml), while Sahiwal dry showed the least (24.5 × 10⁶ cfu/ml). The bacterial isolates from these bioformulations displayed all the PGP traits tested- nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, siderophore production, and IAA production- except for HCN production. Out of 18 promising isolates, 11 showed antifungal activity against one or more fungal pathogens. For example, GPB2 inhibited Sclerotinia sclerotiorum by 50%, GJD1 had an 83.93% inhibition rate against Pythium aphanidermatum, JPL6 gave 43.72% inhibition versus Phytophthora sp., GPD3 showed 56.50% against Rhizoctonia solani, GJD1 gave 21.5% inhibition against Alternaria alternata, and some isolates only showed contact inhibition against Fusarium oxysporum. Overall, GJD1 was the most active isolate across many pathogens, except Phytophthora spp. Pot experiments further confirmed that non-autoclaved bioformulations (i.e. those retaining live microbes) led to superior growth results. Chemical characteristics of fermented bioformulations showed maximum N, P and K content in non-autoclaving treatment T2 (Pahari dry). Treatment T1 (Pahari lactating), T5 (Jersey lactating), and T7 (Pahari bull) achieved 100% germination. Treatment T2 (Pahari dry) showed highest vigour index (34.54). Root and shoot weights were greatest in T6 and T5 (Jersey dry & lactating) with 4.23 g and 7.59 g plant-1, respectively. The highest number of nodules per plant (21) was observed in T6 which was statistically at par with T1 and T7 (Pahari bull). Dry matter content (10.91 g plant-1) in T5 and pods per plant (14) in T12. Yield peaked at 58 g plant-1 in T5. Nutrient content of soil in T2 was remarkable: N (246.7%), P (18.6%), and K (209%). Soil microbial population was highest in T1, with 4.30 × 10⁸ cfu g-1 soil. The 18 promising PGP strains were also identified via 16 S rRNA gene sequencing. We conclude that bioformulations made using indigenous Pahari and Jersey lactating cow breeds outperform other breeds irrespective of lactating or not for use in natural farming systems. Furthermore, these identified bacterial strains, when used along with the bioformulations, could enhance productivity, improve soil health, and aid in disease management.

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