Characterization and analysis of vermi-effluent as potential sources of bio-fertilizer/biostimulant in plant production

As part of the circular-economy, agriculture and plant production are developing sustainable means by which to produce healthy and nutritious crops, while using environmentally responsible products and protocols. INTAG Bio has developed a dynamic bioreactor system that allows earthworms to mineralize fish and bovine waste materials into useful biofertilizers and plant biostimulants. This project will optimize the vermi-culture conditions producing the bio-fertilizer and will valorize the resulting natural effluent for plant production. The vermi-effluent will be analyzed for nutrients and organic growth-promoting compounds; further, we will characterize the active microbial community in the bioreactor environment. The effluent will be tested as a biofertilizer/biostimulant in the production of leafy-greens (e.g., lettuce, basil, spinach, arugula) in-house and with commercial collaborators. The effects of plant treatments on plant genes will identify important active ingredients and plant signaling molecules and lend insight into the biostimulant qualities of the vermi-effluent in mitigating plant stress.

Faculty Supervisor:

Beth Mason

Student:

Partner:

INTAG Bio

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

The Verschuren Centre Inc.

Program: