Can Bio-fertilizers Produced from Agricultural Residues Be Used In Hydroponics as an Alternative to Synthetic Fertilizers?
Journal Title: Current Investigations in Agriculture and Current Research - Year 2018, Vol 2, Issue 2
Abstract
Biofertilizer is the liquid effluent obtained from aerobic or anaerobic decomposition of organic matter in the presence of water, or to be more specific, it is the remaining matter left from the decomposition of organic compounds containing both single celled or multi cellular organisms (bacteria, yeasts, filamentous fungi and algae) and the metabolites they generate. Some of the statistics relating to Brazil’s increasing dependence on the use of pesticides in agriculture are quite concerning. For example, in the last 15 years, within the state of Ceará, incidences of rare types of cancer arose to 38% above the national average. Likewise, the sale of agrochemicals in Brazil grew 190% over the last 10 years, which is more than twice the world average. Of the 50 most commonly used pesticides in the Brazil, 15 of them are actually banned in Europe. According to the last Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa) survey, agrochemicals have been found in 67% of the foods analyzed (25% of which were banned). In view of this alarming reality, a change of attitude is not just necessary, it is mandatory. We need to change our philosophy regarding agricultural management on a national level, one that promotes viable agricultural methodologies to produce crops and livestock, which result in a more healthful humanity and a balanced, sustainable environmentIn the last two decades, the production of food, which requires less synthetic inputs, has attracted the attention of both research and industry. A productive and relatively inexpensive process is the use of biofertilizers prepared from the aerobic or anaerobic digestion of organic materials as a substitute for mineral-based fertilizers, in order to contribute to reduced consumption of the natural reserves of nutrients on the planet. Our goal is to reduce our nation’s dependence on agrochemicals including pesticides and synthetic, inorganic and mineral-based fertilizers. In keeping with this thinking, we have cultivated lettuces (Lactuca sativa L.) inside a greenhouse using a self-contained hydroponic system, and have successfully utilized reused agricultural matter as a substantive growth promoting solution without the need for the addition of agrochemicals (pesticides or fertilizers). The herbaceous lettuce species we chose is one of the most cultivated vegetables in the country and is of great economic importance, generating quick profitability to the producer due to its short cycle from seeding to harvest [1]. We also selected this crop as it exhibits a wide adaptability to diverse climatic conditions and is one of the most produced crops via hydroponics and thus can be grown year round
Authors and Affiliations
Maria Olímpia Oliveira Rezende, Leandro Antunes Mendes
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP570339
- DOI 10.32474/CIACR.2018.02.000134
- Views 63
- Downloads 0
Depth of Food Insecurity and Malnutrition Status in Traditional Rain Fed Sector in Sudan
Sudan is endowed with vast and diverse agricultural resource base that provides various means of sustaining livelihood. Although there is sufficient production in some seasons, but it cannot achieve food...
Acquisition, Preservation and Classification (Malay Version)
Written by Mohamed Salleh, insects as one of the largest and most readily available animal groups, are frequently used objects in biological learning. The living specimens’ specimens are observed to know the history of l...
Effect of Triflumuron and Diflubenzuron on Survivability and Developmental Period of Life Stages of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) Under Laboratory Conditions
The contact action of triflumuron (TFM) and diflubenzuron (DFB) on development and survivability of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) were studied. The mean developmental period was recorded in different concentrations of bot...
Synthetic Hydrogels Break Down by Gypsum and Fertilizers by Making These Unsuitable for Agricultural Uses
Hydrogels or super absorbents polymers (SAP) are used in agriculture for over 40 years and cross-linked polymers which absorb water 400 to 1500 times to dry weight. Hydrogels categorized into 3 classes: 1. Naturally occu...
Plant Based Protein Sources and Extraction
In the context of accelerating interest in novel protein sources, plants gain importance day by day. Vegans, vegetarians, people with gluten-restricted dietary necessities are looking forward to new protein sources from...