Development of a New Algorithm for Production of a Highly Efficient Biofertilizer From Peat–Manure Mixes

Abstract

The All-Russia Research Institute of Reclaimed Lands has a long and fruitful history in development of biofertilizers and multifunctional biopreparations using directed bioconversion. This paper describes innovative elements of a fundamentally new technology for the production of a promising biofertilizer. The development of a new algorithm for bioconversion of peat–manure mixes is required for production of a competitive biofertilizer characterized by favorable acidity and a high content of beneficial microorganisms and bioavailable nutrients as well as for the choice of the most efficient bioconversion process. Three processes differing in their parameters have been compared in three repetitions via evaluation of the content of ammonifying and amylolytic microorganisms, sanitary microflora (enterobacteria), fungi, and actinomycetes in the initial peat–manure mixes and final products (variants of new biofertilizers); additionally, the activity of oxidoreductases and some agrochemical parameters have been compared. The algorithm of a fermentation process includes acid hydrolysis of the initial mix and two thermal stages. At the first stage (55–60°С for 24 h), the required ecological compatibility of a biofertilizer, characterized by the minimum presence of a sanitary microflora and spoilage fungi, is achieved. The second stage (36–39°С for 96 h) is characterized by an active development of microflora involved in the formation of the soil structure and fertility. In the course of the study, the optimum fermentation variant characterized by the maximum content of beneficial microflora, minimum content of enterobacteria, and a high content of key nutrients required for the plant growth (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) has been chosen.