Production of vegetables with biofertilizers based on native microorganisms: A case study in Tixtla, Guerrero, Mexico

Abstract

In agriculture, the use of fertilizers has increased due to the high demand for food by humanity, causing negative impacts because of high production costs and soil contamination. We evaluated five biofertilizers based on native microorganisms promoters of plant growth (NMPPG) as an alternative to the fertilizers used by small vegetable producers. The evaluation was carried out with three types of vegetables (lettuce, celery and epazote) in the Juan Berbera Catalán Irrigation Unit made up by producers from the community of Tixtla, Guerrero. The results show that Rhizobium sp. R01 (Tx3), Azotobacter sp. C3 (Tx1) and Bacillus licheniformis M2-7 (Tx5) used as biofertilizers promote germination and considerably increase fresh weight in these crops, and Azospirillum sp. M9 (Tx2) and Trichoderma sp. ABC1 (Tx4) present significant differences with the negative and chemical control. The yield of lettuce, celery and epazote was favored using biofertilizers, which can be considered a good alternative to apply to these crops, likewise, the price of biofertilizers (5 liters per Tx) compared to the fertilizer DAP-18-46-00 (50 kg) used by the same producers is $1,200.00 vs. $2,000.00 MXN per hectare produced respectively. In conclusion, the biofertilizers used herein represent a feasible alternative for farmers without disregarding the need for technical specialists and producers to identify optimal conditions that support the sustained application and management of biofertilizers.