Insight of organic fertilizers (OFs) with Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and antifungal activity

Abstract

In the present investigation, the potential of FTIR spectroscopy has been explored to determine various functional groups in organic fertilizers (OFs) namely Beejamrit (BA), Jeevamrit (JA), Ghanjeevamrit (GJ), Biogas slurry (BS), Desi cow dung bioenzyme (DCDB), and Vermicompost (VC) that have role in plant growth promotion as well as has antimicrobial potential. The FTIR spectra divulged the occurrence of numerous functional groups named as methyl, carbonyl, hydroxyl, amines, phosphates, silicon or boron compounds, thiol, ester or amide groups in OFs. These functional groups regulate reactive oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur species, rhizospheric microbiome, plant microbe interactions by improving the nutrient uptake, thereby improves plant stress tolerance. The current research highlights the prominent potential of OFs (non-autoclaved and autoclaved) in inhibiting the growth of Curvularia lunata. It might be due to the presence of microorganisms and heat stable metabolites in OFs. Beejamrit showed the maximum inhibition (70%) among the evaluated autoclaved OFs. Whereas, in non-autoclaved OFs, Jeevamrit showed the maximum inhibition (95%). The outcome of the study divulged that OFs not only enhancing plant growth and productivity but also offers natural disease suppression (antimicrobial activity). Future research can investigate their synergistic effects, mechanisms and extensive applications.