Biodegradation of poultry feather using Streptomyces sp. for nitrogen and its effect on growth and yield of okra

Purpose Improper management of poultry feather (PF) leads to various environmental problems. Biodegradation of PF using Streptomyces sp. was initiated to recover N because PF is rich in keratin protein which is difficult to break down. Methods PF was collected, washed, chopped, and was transferred to plastic pots (200 ml each containing 30g PF). Streptomyces sp. was cultured using selective media and transferred to plastic pot at different concentrations (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 ml broth) with three replications. PF was composted under this condition for 75 days. The poultry feather compost (PFC) was used as fertilizer to grow okra in a separate experiment in pots. Different rates (0, 153, 306, 460, 613, and 766 kg ha-1) of PFC equivalent to 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 kg urea ha-1 based on N content was applied. Inorganic N was applied at the recommended dose (150 kg urea ha-1). Results Both total and available N content increased significantly in PFC with increasing concentration of Streptomyces sp. broth in composting media. Maximum N (15.31% total; 1.51% available) was found when PF was treated with 4 and 5 ml of Streptomyces sp. broth. Considering the plant’s agronomic attributes and fruit yield, the application of 460 kg ha-1 PFC was found most suitable for growing okra. Conclusion Composting of PF with Streptomyces sp. is a viable technique to recover N from PF. PFC can make N rich organic amendment and reduce the use of chemical fertilizer (urea) in the agricultural field.