Abstract:
Bio fertilizers are increasingly recognized as eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fertilizers in response to the global demand for sustainable agriculture. This study explores the potential of utilizing locally isolated microbial strains to convert poultry feather waste, a major byproduct of the poultry industry into nutrient-rich bio fertilizers. Keratinolytic Bacillus strains were isolated from poultry farm soils in Peshawar, Pakistan, with a focus on the degradation of Gallus gallus domesticus feathers. Among the tested samples, rooster feathers exhibited the highest degradation rate when treated with Bacillus strain A, compared to domestic and agricultural feathers. Optimal degradation occurred at50 °C, pH 7.0, and a 10-day incubation period. The resulting feather-derived bio fertilizer (FDBG) significantly outperformed synthetic fertilizers, enhancing the growth of Pongamia pinnata (Sukh chain) seedlings in height and in leaf number over 30 days. Soil analysis further confirmed improved nutrient availability, particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, in FDBG-treated plots. These findings highlight the dual benefits of feather waste valorization, reducing environmental challenges linked to poultry waste disposal while producing a sustainable, low-cost bio fertilizer. The study underscores the promise of indigenous microbial strains in advancing circular economy practices and delivering scalable solutions for resource-limited agricultural systems in Pakistan and similar contexts.
Page(s):
115-115
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: 1st International Conference on "Recent Advances in Green Biotechnology and Climate Resilience", September 15-16, 2025, Volume: 1, Issue: 1, Year: 2025