Biofilm biofertilizer can reinstate network interactions for improved rice production

Abstract

Biofilms are complex communities of multiple microbial species which are attached to surfaces or physical interfaces in nature. Such biofilms can also be developed in vitro using beneficial microbes, and can be used as Biofilm biofertilizers (BFBFs). Once applied, the BFBFs can supply sub network components to the bulk network of soil-plant-microbe parameters in agro-ecosystems degraded due to excessive use of chemical inputs. Thus, the degraded ecosystems can get their bulk network repaired through the sub network substitutions for improved interactions. Here, we analyzed selected soil, plant and microbial parameters with the application of farmers’ chemical fertilizers (CF) alone practice [425 kg CF/ha (Urea 284, TSP 76 and MOP 66 kg/ha)] and BFBF practice [2.5 L of BFBF with 225 kg CF/ha (Urea 150, TSP 40 and MOP 35 kg/ha)] in 37 different locations in Sri Lanka using rice (Oryza sativa L.) as the test crop. Further, the data were analyzed to reveal the effect of BFBF in re-establishing networks in the agro-ecosystems. The BFBF application helped in cutting down farmers’ CF use up to ca. 50%, while increasing grain yield up to ca. 25%. This was attributed to the positive effects of the BFBF towards strengthening the network interactions of the soil, plant and microbes. In this manner, BFBF practice clearly showed its potential as an eco-friendly and economically viable method to replace the farmers’ current adverse practice of CF alone application. However, further studies should be conducted to collect data of a large number of variables, and they should be analyzed using more advanced methods to understand, particularly biotic and abiotic stresses for addressing them more effectively. This will eventually lead to design eco-friendly agro-ecosystems for sustainable agriculture.

Keywords

• agro-ecosystem, biofilm biofertilizers, microbial communities, networks