In the quest for sustainable agriculture, a recent study published in the *Journal of Central European Agriculture* (translated from Czech: *Časopis pro středoevropskou zemědělskou*) has uncovered a promising avenue for enhancing mineral fertilizers with beneficial microorganisms. Led by Tetiana Sasina, the research delves into the microbial communities residing on granular fertilizers and their potential as plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPM).
The study, which aimed to assess the degree of microbial contamination in mineral fertilizers and evaluate the possibility of using these microorganisms for fertilizer enrichment, revealed that bacteria were present on fertilizer granules, ranging from 11,000 CFU/g in superphosphate to 74,000 CFU/g in ammonium sulfate. Notably, micromycetes were not detected. Among the bacteria identified, representatives of *Bacillus amyloliquefaciens* were dominant across all fertilizer types.
“Regardless of the type of fertilizer, representatives of *Bacillus amyloliquefaciens* were dominant on the granules,” Sasina explained. This dominance suggests a robust presence of these bacteria, which are known for their plant growth-promoting properties.
The research isolated a total of 112 bacterial cultures, with 20% showing a growth-stimulating effect. Additionally, 28% of the isolates exhibited phosphate-solubilizing properties, and 36% demonstrated antagonistic activity against phytopathogenic micromycetes. These findings highlight the potential of these microorganisms to enhance plant growth and protect against harmful pathogens.
Three active bacterial strains were selected for the enrichment of NPK (16-16-16) granules: *B. amyloliquefaciens* B-22, *B. cereus* 3/7, and *B. amyloliquefaciens* subsp. *plantarum* 5/13. The use of these biologically modified fertilizers during potato cultivation led to significant improvements. “The use of biologically modified fertilizers at a dose of N80P80K80 during potato cultivation led to an intensification of the production process, increased crop yield, and improved product quality,” Sasina noted.
The implications of this research are profound for the agricultural sector. By enriching mineral fertilizers with beneficial microorganisms, farmers can potentially enhance crop yields and quality while promoting sustainable practices. This approach could reduce the reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, contributing to a more environmentally friendly agricultural system.
As the world grapples with the challenges of feeding a growing population while minimizing environmental impact, innovations like microbiologically enriched fertilizers offer a glimmer of hope. The study’s findings, published in the *Journal of Central European Agriculture*, pave the way for further research and commercial applications, potentially revolutionizing the way we approach plant nutrition and crop production.
In the words of Sasina, “The results of the study indicate the feasibility of further studying bacteria isolated from mineral fertilizers to determine the prospects for the microbiological enrichment of fertilizers.” This research not only opens new avenues for agricultural innovation but also underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing global food security challenges.