A Comparative Study of the Effectiveness of Different Bio-enzyme on Acidic Soil

The growing population puts pressure on agricultural production to fulfill the increasing demand for food. To fulfill the food demands, more quantity of synthetic fertilizers are used. An increase in global population increases the demand for food sources, which creates pressure on agriculture. As a result, more synthetic fertilizers are used. Because of the inevitable use of synthetic fertilizer, which in turn degrades soil quality. This study explores the efficacy of bio-enzymes derived from citrus and mixed fruit and vegetable peels as sustainable alternatives to synthetic fertilizer for improving the micro and macronutrients of acidic soil. Bio-enzyme works as a stimulator that stimulates the plant growth. It is cost-effective and helps in breaking down the complex compound into simple ones. Acidic soil from Palghar, Maharashtra, was treated with different concentrations of bio-enzyme and organic fertilizer. The test is done in six samples such as control (C), BE1(C), BE1(D), BE2(C), BE2(D), and OF (Organic fertilizer). After the treatment, the pH of the soil increases from 4.5 to 6.5. The NPK value of soil also increases Kg/acre in 40 days. The organic carbon (OC) content of the soil increases from 0.4 to 0.9%. Bio-enzymes also enhance moisture retention in the soil, fostering a better environment for plant growth. Adding the bio enzyme into the acidic soil helps to maintain the pH of acidic soil between 6.2 to 6.8 for proper growth of plants. These findings suggest that bio-enzymes not only restore the pH balance of acidic soils but also improve nutrient content and organic carbon, making them a promising eco-friendly option for sustainable agriculture.