Isolation, preparation, and production of biofertilizer (Enterococcus cloaca, Enterococcus homacheii, and Clostridium beijerinckii)
November 17, 2025
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| Article Title: | Isolation, preparation, and production of biofertilizer (Enterococcus cloaca, Enterococcus homacheii, and Clostridium beijerinckii) |
| Authors: | Ngwoke A.C., Igiebor F.A. |
| Affiliation: | Department of Biological Science (Microbiology unit), Faculty of Science, Benson Idahosa University, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria |
| Abstract: | The introduction of chemical fertilizers has significantly boosted agricultural yields, but their negative environmental impacts, such as water pollution, damage to ecosystems, and reduced soil fertility have raised concerns. In response, biofertilizers have gained attention as eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fertilizers. Biofertilizers, particularly those based on phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB), offer advantages such as safety, lack of accumulation in the food chain, and minimal resistance development. This study isolates and produces a biofertilizer using three bacterial strains: Enterococcus cloaca, Enterococcus homaecheii, and Clostridium beijerinckii. AA total of 15 isolates were identified through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Isolate AFS-A was identified as Enterobacter hormaecheii (96.57% sequence homology), AFS-B was identified as Enterobacter cloacoa (96.57% sequence homology), while isolate AFS-M was identified as Clostridium beijerinckii (97.88% sequence homology). The bacteria isolates were cultured and processed into biofertilizers using a carrier-based method. The biofertilizer’s physicochemical properties, such as pH (6.8-7.2), moisture content (22.5-26.2 %), and particle size (1.2 mm), were within acceptable agricultural standards. It also contained balanced nutrients, including nitrogen (10.2-12.2 %), phosphorus (5.5-5.7 %), and potassium (10.5 %). With a microbial load of 8.2 × 10⁸ CFU/g and a shelf life of 18 months, the biofertilizer also exhibited plant growth-promoting substances like indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). These findings highlight the potential of E. cloaca, E. homaecheii, and C. beijerinckii as biofertilizers for sustainable agriculture, offering an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers while promoting plant growth and soil health. |
| Keywords: | biofertilizer, phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, Enterococcus cloaca, Enterococcus homaecheii, Clostridium beijerinckii. |
| *Correspondence: | Francis A. Igiebor, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, email: figiebor@delsu.edu.ng |
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