DESC:A MICROBIAL CONSORTIUM AND A BIOFERTILIZER COMPRISING THE SAME

FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention described herein generally relates to a microbial consortium and a bio-fertilizer comprising the same for application in agricultural. The invention particularly relates to a microbial consortium comprising the strains of Bacillus aryabhattai, Paenibacillus azotofixans and Pseudomonas azotoformans and a bio-fertilizer comprising the same for application in agricultural.

BACKGROUND
In modern agriculture, the use of synthetic or chemical fertilizers has increased to fulfill the requisite growth and productivity. While various studies establish the adverse effect of excessive use of chemical fertilizers, which, while effective, can lead to significant environmental challenges such as soil degradation, water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, infertile soil, and imbalance in the soil ecosystem.

At the global level, wide uses of chemical fertilizers require a large amount of energy as well as money, and these fertilizers are the major sources of greenhouse gas production. It has been estimated that fertilizer production consumes 1.2% of all global energy and produces 1.2% of greenhouse gas emissions. The existing problem is the excess use of chemical fertilizers and inefficient supply of macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to the crop. Thus, there is a need to provide solutions for the replacement, or reduction of chemical fertilizers from the field of agriculture.

Additionally, while there is a need for replacement, or reduction of use of chemical fertilizers from the field of agriculture, there is also a need to provide an efficient supply of macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to the crop and provide farmers with a biofertilizer that is economical and overcomes the drawbacks of the state of the art.

Macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium must be sufficiently provided for optimal plant growth. Phosphorus is crucial for photosynthesis, aiding in the assimilation of carbohydrates such as sugars. Additionally, phosphorus plays significant roles in cell division, stimulating early root growth, accelerating plant maturity, facilitating energy transformations within cells, and contributing to fruit and seed production. Nitrogen is indispensable for the synthesis of vital biomolecules such as amino acids, nucleic acids, and chlorophyll, which are essential for plant metabolism and photosynthesis. Phosphorous and potassium are the most crucial nutrients for the development of healthy crops. However, in the soil, they are present in insoluble form, which is not available for the plant due to the inorganic application of phosphate and potassium applied to the field. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and Potassium microbes enable fixing and solubilizing these three nutrients into the root of plant and enable absorption leading to better growth and yield of the crops.

The present invention provides effective consortium with maximum nitrogen-fixing, phosphate solubilizing and potassium mobilizing. The present invention provides a consortium of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium [NPK] microbes that are symbiotic and synergistic with each other for optimum growth and non-competitiveness within themselves. It also provides consistent efficacy and benefits to crop growth and productivity. The nitrogen in NPK fertilizer helps plants in stimulating growth of leaves. Phosphorus helps to produce healthy flowers, buds, roots, and fruits. Potassium is used by plants to help sustain overall plant health. The NPK biofertilizers restore the fertility of the soil. Prolonged use of chemical fertilizers degrades the soil and affects crop yield. Biofertilizers, on the other hand, enhance the water holding capacity of the soil and add essential nutrients such as nitrogen, vitamins and proteins to the soil. NPK bio-fertilizer comprising said consortium which helps in reducing the use of chemical fertilizer.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION:
The object of the present invention is to provide a microbial consortium, and a composition or bio-fertilizer comprising said consortium as a substitute for chemical fertilizer.

The object of the present invention is also to provide a microbial consortium and a composition or bio-fertilizer comprising said consortium as a substitute for chemical fertilizer which helps in reducing the use of chemical fertilizer.

An object of the present invention is to provide a microbial consortium and a composition or bio-fertilizer comprising said consortium that helps in improving the overall plant growth, development, and /or productivity. It also improves soil quality and texture.

An object of the present invention is to provide a microbial consortium and a composition or bio-fertilizer comprising said consortium in a powder or liquid form.

An object of the present invention is to provide a microbial consortium and a composition or bio-fertilizer comprising said consortium in a powder or liquid form with a unique combination of ingredients enabling symbiotic growth of microbes and durability of microbes in soil once applied.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a media composition with a unique combination of ingredients enabling growth of the microbes, particularly bacteria, bacterial strains of the consortium of the invention.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a microbial consortium and a composition comprising said consortium that is highly stable, having an extended shelf life, and/or improved nitrogen-fixing, phosphate mobilizing and potash solubilization.

To achieve the said objectives, the present invention provides a microbial consortium, comprising Bacillus aryabhattai, Pseudomonas azotoformans and Paenibacillus azotofixans. The present invention is also directed to a composition and/or a bio fertilizer comprising said consortium. The biofertilizer facilitates the plant growth and considerably reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.

To achieve the said objectives, in an aspect, the present invention provides a microbial consortium, comprising at least an isolated strain of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, at least an isolated strain of potassium-mobilizing bacteria, and at least an isolated strain of nitrogen-fixing bacteria. In said aspect the consortium described is a NPK microbial consortium, wherein, the phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) is Bacillus aryabhattai (Accession No: NAIMCC- ID 5208- B-01819), potassium mobilizing bacteria (KMB) is Pseudomonas azotoformans (Accession No: NAIMCC- ID 6979- B-02563) and nitrogen-fixing bacteria (NFB) is Paenibacillus azotofixans (Accession No: MTCC-8319). In said aspect, the present invention is also directed to a composition and/or a bio fertilizer comprising said consortium.

To achieve the said objectives, in an aspect, the present invention provides a microbial consortium, comprising at least an isolated strain of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, at least an isolated strain of potassium-mobilizing bacteria, and at least an isolated strain of nitrogen-fixing bacteria. In said aspect the consortium described is a NPK microbial consortium, wherein, the phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) is Bacillus aryabhattai, potassium mobilizing bacteria (KMB) is Pseudomonas azotoformans and nitrogen-fixing bacteria (NFB) is Paenibacillus azotofixans and the same are present in a percentage concentration ratio of 0.5-1.7; 1.3-2.8; 0.7-1.4 having individual cultures in the count of at least 1010 Cfu/g.

The present invention is also directed to a composition and/or a bio fertilizer comprising said consortium. The composition comprising the microbial consortium, wherein the nitrogen-fixing bacteria, the phosphate solubilizing bacteria and the potassium-mobilizing bacteria are present in a ratio of 1:1:1. The composition further comprises agriculturally accepted excipients selected from a group comprising carriers, thickeners, emulsifiers, adjuvants, surfactants, coating agents, suspending agents, stabilizers, wetting agents, gelling agents, or a mixture thereof. The composition is in form of an emulsion, micro emulsion, granules, powder, suspension, capsule, liquid, or a spray.

In the said aspect, the composition is used as NPK fertilizer.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of forming a composition for use as a biofertilizer, the method comprising: -
a. culturing one or more of bacteria selected from the group consisting of a nitrogen-fixing bacteria, Paenibacillus azotofixans (Accession No: MTCC-8319); a phosphate solubilizing bacteria, Bacillus aryabhattai (Accession No: NAIMCC- ID 5208- B-01819); a potassium-mobilizing bacteria, Pseudomonas azotoformans (Accession No: NAIMCC- ID 6979- B-02563) individually;
b. mixing the cells/spores of the nitrogen-fixing bacteria, Paenibacillus azotofixans; phosphate solubilizing bacteria, Bacillus aryabhattai; potassium-mobilizing bacteria, Pseudomonas azotoformans in ratio of in the range of from percentage concentration ratio of 0.5-1.7; 1.3-2.8; 0.7-1.4 to obtain a NPK microbial consortium;
c. co-culturing the NPK microbial consortium of step b) in single production media to achieve a concentration of nitrogen-fixing bacteria, Paenibacillus azotofixans; phosphate solubilizing bacteria, Bacillus aryabhattai; potassium-mobilizing bacteria, Pseudomonas azotoformans of around 1:1:1, having each individual culture in the count of at least 1010 Cfu/g to obtain a consortium microbe;
d. mixing consortium microbe of step c) with the agriculturally accepted excipients selected from a group comprising carriers, thickeners, emulsifiers, adjuvants, surfactants, coating agents, suspending agents, stabilizers, wetting agents, gelling agents, or a mixture thereof to obtain a composition.

In said aspect, the present invention provides a method of improving the overall plant growth, development, productivity and soil quality comprising the step of applying the consortium or composition as described above to the plants, plant parts, fruits, vegetables or soil.

In another aspect, the present invention the invention relates to modified media for culturing, fermenting, and producing the phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) Bacillus aryabhattai, potassium mobilizing bacteria (KMB) Pseudomonas azotoformans and nitrogen-fixing bacteria (NFB) Paenibacillus azotofixans which essentially comprises of jaggery, potassium source like dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4) or dipotassium phosphate (K2HPO4), yeast extract, and one or more of additional nutrients like Magnesium Sulphate (MgSO4), Sodium chloride (NaCl), Potassium chloride (KCl), Ammonium molybdate, Zinc sulfate (ZnSO4).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
The present invention will be described further, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1: Illustrates plate images of Bacillus aryabhattai, Paenibacillus azotofixans and
Pseudomonas azotoformans, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2: Illustrates a microscopic view (100X) of nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
Figure 3: Illustrates a microscopic view (100X) of phosphate solubilizing bacteria.
Figure 4: Illustrates a microscopic view (100X) of potassium mobilizing bacteria

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey its scope to those skilled in the art. The terminology used in the detailed description of the particular exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.

The specification may refer to “an”, “one” or “some” embodiment(s) in several locations. This does not necessarily imply that each such reference is to the same embodiment(s), or that the feature only applies to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a microbial consortium, comprising Bacillus aryabhattai, Pseudomonas azotoformans and Paenibacillus azotofixans. The present invention is also directed to a composition and/or a bio fertilizer comprising said consortium. The biofertilizer facilitates the plant growth and considerably reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a microbial consortium, comprising at least an isolated strain of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, at least an isolated strain of potassium-mobilizing bacteria, and at least an isolated strain of nitrogen-fixing bacteria. In said embodiment, the consortium described is a NPK microbial consortium, wherein, the phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) is Bacillus aryabhattai, potassium mobilizing bacteria (KMB) is Pseudomonas azotoformans and nitrogen-fixing bacteria (NFB) is Paenibacillus azotofixans. In said embodiment, the present invention is also directed to a composition and/or a bio fertilizer comprising said consortium.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a microbial consortium, comprising at least an isolated strain of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, at least an isolated strain of potassium-mobilizing bacteria, and at least an isolated strain of nitrogen-fixing bacteria. In said embodiment, the consortium described is a NPK microbial consortium, wherein, the phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) is Bacillus aryabhattai (Accession No: NAIMCC- ID 5208- B-01819), potassium mobilizing bacteria (KMB) is Pseudomonas azotoformans (Accession No: NAIMCC- ID 6979- B-02563) and nitrogen-fixing bacteria (NFB) is Paenibacillus azotofixans (Accession No: MTCC-8319) and the same are present percentage concentration ratio of 0.5-1.7; 1.3-2.8; 0.7-1.4, preferably, having individual cultures in the count of at least 1010 Cfu/g.

The nitrogen-fixing bacteria (NFB) is Paenibacillus azotofixans (Accession No: MTCC-8319) in the ratio range 0.7-1.4 (specifically and preferably 0.8); phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) is Bacillus aryabhattai (Accession No: NAIMCC- ID 5208- B-01819) can be used in the ratio range of 0.5-1.7 (specifically and preferably 1.4); potassium mobilizing bacteria (KMB) is Pseudomonas azotoformans (Accession No: NAIMCC- ID 6979- B-02563) in the in the range of 1.3-2.8 (specifically and preferably 1.7) and which when grow altogether in a single media reaches to ratio of 1:1:1 (specifically as 1.4:1.4:1.4). During this co-culturing, all bacteria when grown together reaches to similar percent levels even though they may be present in the provided ratio for instance potassium mobilizing bacteria (KMB) Pseudomonas azotoformans (Accession No: NAIMCC- ID 6979- B-02563) was used initially in high concentration (as it grows slower than other two). Once all the bacteria are grown altogether in production media reaches to similar concentrations, the fermentation process was stopped, and the three bacteria concentrations were used further for formulations (Liquid and Powder) with active ingredients.

The present invention is also directed to a composition and/or a bio fertilizer comprising said consortium.

In an embodiment, the microbial consortium comprises nitrogen- fixing bacteria Paenibacillus azotofixans and the same is grown in production medium comprising jaggery 1.0-2.0 g-1L, MgSO4 0.2-0.4 g-1L, CaCO3 0.1-0.2 g-1L, NaCl 0.1-0.2 g-1L, K2HPO4 0.1-0.2 g-1L, KH2PO4 0.1-0.3, yeast extract 0.5-1.5 g-1L, ZnSO4 0.002-0.004 g-1L, NH4FeSO4 0.5-0.8 g-1L, glucose 1.0-4.0, KCl 0.2 g-1L, and molasses 1.0 g-1L, pH 6.8-7.0.

In an embodiment, the microbial consortium comprises the phosphate solubilizing bacteria Bacillus aryabhattai and the same is grown in production medium comprising jaggery 10.0 g-1L, MgSO4 2.0 g-1L, CaCO3 1.0 g-1L, NaCl 1.0 g-1L, K2HPO4 1.0 g-1L, yeast extract 5.0 g-1L and ZnSO4 0.02 g-1L, pH 7.0.

In an embodiment, the microbial consortium comprises the potassium mobilizing bacteria Pseudomonas azotoformans and same is grown in production medium comprising jaggery 7.0 g-1L, MgSO4 3.0 g-1L, CaCO3 1.0 g-1L, NaCl 1.0 g-1L, K2HPO4 1.0 g-1L, yeast extract 5.0 g-1L, ZnSO4 0.002 g-1L and ammonium molybdate 5.0 g-1L, pH 6.8-7.0.

In an embodiment, the microbial consortium comprises the nitrogen-fixing bacteria Paenibacillus azotofixans, the phosphate solubilizing bacteria Bacillus aryabhattai (Accession No: NAIMCC- ID 5208- B-01819), and the potassium-mobilizing bacteria Pseudomonas azotoformans and all are grown together in a single production medium comprising jaggery 0.5-1.0 g, KH2PO4 0.05-0.1 g, K2HPO4 0.05-.1 g, MgSO4 0.02-0.03 g, NaCl 0.05-0.1 g, KCl 0.05-0.1 g, ammonium molybdate 0.2-0.5 g, ZnSO4 0.001-0.002 g, yeast extract 0.3-0.5 g, and having a pH between 6.5 to 7.5.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the present invention provides a composition and/or a bio fertilizer comprising the microbial consortium. In preferred embodiments, the composition comprising the microbial consortium, wherein the nitrogen-fixing bacteria, the phosphate solubilizing bacteria and the potassium-mobilizing bacteria finally achieve a ratio of /are present in equal concentration of microbial densities, that is, in a concentration ratio of around 1:1:1, and wherein each bacterial strain is present in a count of at least 1010 CFU/g. The composition further comprises agriculturally accepted excipients selected from a group comprising carriers, thickeners, emulsifiers, adjuvants, surfactants, coating agents, suspending agents, stabilizers, wetting agents, gelling agents, or a mixture thereof. The composition is in form of an emulsion, micro emulsion, granules, powder, suspension, capsule, liquid, or a spray.

In an embodiment, the composition of present invention is used as NPK fertilizer.

In an embodiment, the present invention also relates to a method of making a composition and /or a biofertilizer, the method comprising the steps of:
- forming a microbial consortium comprising at least an isolated strain of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, at least an isolated strain of potassium-mobilizing bacteria, and at least an isolated strain of nitrogen-fixing bacteria, wherein, the phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) is Bacillus aryabhattai, potassium mobilizing bacteria (KMB) is Pseudomonas azotoformans and nitrogen-fixing bacteria (NFB) is Paenibacillus azotofixans and preferably, the same are present in percentage concentration ratio of 0.5-1.7; 1.3-2.8; 0.7-1.4.

In preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method of forming a composition for use as a biofertilizer, the method comprising: -
a. culturing one or more of bacteria selected from the group consisting of a nitrogen-fixing bacteria, Paenibacillus azotofixans (Accession No: MTCC-8319); a phosphate solubilizing bacterium, Bacillus aryabhattai (Accession No: NAIMCC- ID 5208- B-01819); a potassium-mobilizing bacteria, Pseudomonas azotoformans (Accession No: NAIMCC- ID 6979- B-02563) individually;
b. mixing the cells/spores of the nitrogen-fixing bacteria, Paenibacillus azotofixans; phosphate solubilizing bacteria, Bacillus aryabhattai; potassium-mobilizing bacteria, Pseudomonas azotoformans in the range of from percentage concentration ratio of 0.5-1.7; 1.3-2.8; 0.7-1.4 to obtain a NPK microbial consortium;
c. co-culturing the NPK microbial consortium of step b) in single production media to achieve a concentration of nitrogen-fixing bacteria, Paenibacillus azotofixans; phosphate solubilizing bacteria, Bacillus aryabhattai; potassium-mobilizing bacteria, Pseudomonas azotoformans of around 1:1:1, having each individual culture in the count of at least 1010 Cfu/g to obtain a consortium microbe;
d. mixing consortium microbe of step c) with the agriculturally accepted excipients selected from a group comprising carriers, thickeners, emulsifiers, adjuvants, surfactants, coating agents, suspending agents, stabilizers, wetting agents, gelling agents, or a mixture thereof to obtain a composition.

In an embodiment, the method of forming a composition as described above, wherein the composition is in form of a liquid and comprises mixing in step d) microbial consortium in the range of from 3-7%, essential amino acid in the range of from 1-3%, in the range of from fulvic acid 1-3%, activator in the range of from 0.1-2% and demineralized (DM) water in the range of from 88-94%.

In an embodiment, the method of forming a composition as described above, wherein the composition is in form of a powder and comprises mixing in step d) microbial consortium in the range of from 3-7%, essential amino acid in the range of from 0.5-4%, fulvic acid in the range of from 0.5-4%, activator in the range of from 0.5-3% and China clay in the range of from 88-94%.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of improving the overall plant growth, development, productivity and soil quality comprising the step of applying the consortium or composition provided above to the plants, plant parts, fruits, vegetables or soil.

The invention is described herein detail below with examples:

Procurement, screening and isolation of bacteria
Different strains of bacteria belonging to various genera were procured from microbial banks and other sources. The procured strains of different bacteria were screened on nitrogen fixing, phosphate solubilizing and potassium mobilizing parameters. Some of the bacteria used for initial screening include Pseudomonas fluoresces as PSB, Fraturia aurantia as PSB, Azotobacter chroococcum as NFB etc. After an initial screening on basis of CFU count per ml using plate method, potent strains of bacteria are selected. The selected potent strains are grown and further selected on basis of specific substrate utilization. The strains are further purified and identified.

The present invention is particularly directed to selected bacterial strains of Pseudomonas azotoformans, Bacillus aryabhattai and Paenibacillus azotofixan and their consortium. The details of accession number of the most preferred strains of the bacterial species are provided below:

Table1: Bacterial species of the Invention
Bacterial species Strain Accession No.
Bacillus aryabhattai MTN101 NAIMCC- ID 5208- B-01819
Paenibacillus azotofixans GH8 MTCC-8319
Pseudomonas azotoformans PRM17 NAIMCC- ID 6979- B-02563

The above-mentioned bacterial strains are outsourced form microbes’ banks. In the present invention, B. aryabhattai and P. azotoformans bacterial isolates are procured from ICAR-National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Microbes (NBAIM), Mau, Uttar Pradesh, India. On the other hand, the bacterial isolate of P. azotofixans is procured from Microbial Type Culture Collection and Gene Bank (MTCC), Chandigarh, India.

The selected bacterial strains are further subjected to compatibility test by plate streaking method to evaluate the compatibility with each other.

The method for isolating the strains of phosphate solubilizing bacteria, potassium mobilizing bacteria and nitrogen-fixing bacteria is further performed by growing each strain on an optimized medium fermenter to obtain culture of NPK microbial consortium. Figure 1 to 4 provide microscopic images of the bacterial strains.

Optimization of culture media
The modified media composition customised for specific strain is optimized to yield high cell count. The modified media is very cost-effective at the production level and supports growth of the selected bacterial species. The modified media comprises natural ingredient, jaggery as a source of energy instead of commonly used sucrose and glucose in the media. Additionally, the modified media comprises yeast as a substitute for peptone and meat extract, serving as nitrogen and carbon source. The modified media may also include phytase as activator to enhance the nutrient uptake and growth of plant.

In an embodiment, the selected phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) Bacillus aryabhattai, potassium mobilizing bacteria (KMB) Pseudomonas azotoformans and nitrogen-fixing bacteria (NFB) Paenibacillus azotofixans are also grown individually in specific production media as shown in Tables 2, 3 and 4. The specific production media helps to cater the needs of nutrient requirement for optimal growth of each bacterium.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the modified media composition specific for each bacterial strain and essentially comprises of jaggery, potassium source like dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4) or dipotassium phosphate (K2HPO4), yeast extract, and one or more of additional nutrients like Magnesium Sulphate (MgSO4), Sodium chloride (NaCl), Potassium chloride (KCl), Ammonium molybdate, Zinc sulfate (ZnSO4).

The most preferred media for each strain is described in the below tables.

Table 2. Production media of Nitrogen-Fixing bacteria or Paenibacillus azotofixans
Ingredients g-1L
Jaggery 1.5
MgSO4 0.27
CaCO3 0.18
NaCl 0.15
K2HPO4 0.18
KH2PO4 0.25
Yeast extract 0.90
ZnSO4 0.0032
NH4FeSO4 0.75
Glucose 3.56
KCl 0.15
Molasses 1.0
pH-6.8-7.0

Table 3. Production media of Phosphate solubilizing bacteria or Bacillus aryabhattai
Ingredients g-1L
Jaggery 10
Mgso4 2
Caco3 1
NaCl 1
K2HPO4 1
Yeast extract 5
ZNS04 0.02
pH-7.0

Table 4. Production media of Potassium mobilizing bacteria or Pseudomonas azotoformans
Ingredients g-1L
Jaggery 7
MgSO4 3
CaCo3 1
NaCl 1
K2HPO4 1
Yeast extract 5
ZNSO4 0.002
Ammonium molybdate 5
pH-6.8-7.0

In an embodiment of the present invention, the selected strains of Bacillus aryabhattai, Paenibacillus azotofixans and Pseudomonas azotoformans may also be grown in single modified media to get high cell mass of all three strains in the single modified media. The production media is sterilized in an autoclave for 25 min.

Fermentation is carried out by various processes in which optimization of media is done for the single strain to get the maximum cell count. The process starts with the glycerol stock of each strain, first grown on the plate, from the nucleus of the plate, the culture is prepared, then pre-inoculation media is prepared, and after that production media is optimized which is complimented with various components like yeast extract, as nitrogen sources, carbon source and some of the other constituent to multiply the cell.

Production details
Exact media of individual cultures viz. Nitrogen-Fixing bacteria or Paenibacillus azotofixans; Phosphate solubilizing bacteria or Bacillus aryabhattai; Potassium mobilizing bacteria or Pseudomonas azotoformans mentioned above.

These bacteria were individually taken in different concentrations as mentioned viz Nitrogen fixing bacteria in 0.5-1.7 % concentration (v/v) at 1x1010 cfu/g cell density; Phosphate solubilizing bacteria in 1.3-2.8 % concentration (v/v) at 1x1010 cfu/g cell density; Potassium mobilizing bacteria in 0.7-1.4 % concentration (v/v) at 1x1010 cfu/g cell density. These strains were grown individually in their respective media for 24-36 hours to acquire 1 x 1010 cfu/g cell count and then a specific concentration in v/v (Volume/Volume) of each was mixed to the single production medium comprising the following components viz. Jaggery 0.5-1.0 g, KH2PO4 0.05-0.1 g, K2HPO4 0.05-.1 g, MgSO4 0.02-0.03 g, NaCl 0.05-0.1 g, KCl 0.05-0.1 g, ammonium molybdate 0.2-0.5 g, ZnSO4 0.001-0.002 g, yeast extract 0.3-0.5 g to achieve a microbial concentration ratio of 1:1:1. The 1:1:1 ratio signifies the similar cell density of all three strains of at least 1 x 1010 cfu/ml. The solubilizing bacteria (PSB) Bacillus aryabhattai (Accession No: NAIMCC- ID 5208- B-01819), potassium mobilizing bacteria (KMB) Pseudomonas azotoformans (Accession No: NAIMCC- ID 6979- B-02563), nitrogen-fixing bacteria (NFB) Paenibacillus azotofixans (Accession No: MTCC-8319) are used in the ratio of 1.4:1.7:0.8 which when grow altogether in a single media reaches to ratio of 1:1:1 (specifically as 1.4:1.4:1.4).

Composition
The NPK consortium/microbial consortium comprising nitrogen-fixing bacteria, the phosphate solubilizing bacteria and the potassium-mobilizing bacteria in a ratio of around 1:1:1 is a NPK microbial consortium composition. The NPK microbial consortium composition are further formulated in a composition.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the present invention provides a composition and/or a bio fertilizer comprising the microbial consortium. In preferred embodiments, the composition comprising the microbial consortium, wherein the nitrogen-fixing bacteria, the phosphate solubilizing bacteria and the potassium-mobilizing bacteria are present in a ratio of around 1:1:1. The 1:1:1 ratio signifies the similar cell density of all three strains of at least 1 x 1010 cfu/ml. The composition further comprises agriculturally accepted excipients selected from a group comprising carriers, thickeners, emulsifiers, adjuvants, surfactants, coating agents, suspending agents, stabilizers, wetting agents, gelling agents, or a mixture thereof. The composition is in form of an emulsion, micro emulsion, granules, powder, suspension, capsule, liquid, or a spray.

The microbial consortium comprising nitrogen-fixing bacteria, the phosphate solubilizing bacteria and the potassium-mobilizing bacteria in a ratio of around 1:1:1 is a consortium microbes.

In an embodiment, the composition of present invention is used as NPK fertilizer. In preferred embodiments, the composition is a substitute for chemical fertilizer and reduces the use of chemical fertilizer.

The composition is in form of an emulsion, microemulsion, granules, powder, suspension, capsule, liquid, or a spray.

Table 5: The components of liquid composition comprising of consortium microbes, amino acid, fulvic acid, an activator, and DM water in the ratios as given below:
Components of liquid composition Concentration (%W/V) Most preferred
Consortium Microbes 3-7% 5.0
Ess. Amino Acid 1-3% 3.0
Fulvic Acid 1-3% 2.0
Activator 0.1-2% 0.15
DM Water 88-94% 90.0

Table 6: The components of powder composition comprising of consortium microbes, amino acid, fulvic acid, an activator and China clay in the ratios as given below:
Components of powder composition Concentration (%W/V) Most preferred
Consortium Microbes 3-7% 5.0
Ess. Amino Acid 0.5-4% 3.0
Fulvic Acid 0.5-4% 1.5
Activator 0.5-3% 1.5
China clay 88-94% 90.0

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of forming a composition for use as a biofertilizer, the method comprising: -
a. culturing one or more of bacteria selected from the group consisting of a nitrogen-fixing bacteria, Paenibacillus azotofixans (Accession No: MTCC-8319); a phosphate solubilizing bacterium, Bacillus aryabhattai (Accession No: NAIMCC- ID 5208- B-01819); a potassium-mobilizing bacteria, Pseudomonas azotoformans (Accession No: NAIMCC- ID 6979- B-02563) individually;
b. mixing the cells/spores of the nitrogen-fixing bacteria, Paenibacillus azotofixans; phosphate solubilizing bacteria, Bacillus aryabhattai; potassium-mobilizing bacteria, Pseudomonas azotoformans in the range of from percentage concentration ratio of 0.5-1.7; 1.3-2.8; 0.7-1.4 to obtain a NPK microbial consortium;
c. co-culturing the NPK microbial consortium of step b) in single production media to achieve a concentration of nitrogen-fixing bacteria, Paenibacillus azotofixans; phosphate solubilizing bacteria, Bacillus aryabhattai; potassium-mobilizing bacteria, Pseudomonas azotoformans of around 1:1:1 , having each individual culture in the count of at least 1010 Cfu/g to obtain a consortium microbe;
d. mixing consortium microbe of step c) with the agriculturally accepted excipients selected from a group comprising carriers, thickeners, emulsifiers, adjuvants, surfactants, coating agents, suspending agents, stabilizers, wetting agents, gelling agents, or a mixture thereof to obtain a composition.

The method of forming a composition described above, wherein the composition is in form of a liquid and comprises mixing in step d) microbial consortium in the range of from 3-7%, essential amino acid in the range of from 1-3%, in the range of from fulvic acid 1-3%, activator in the range of from 0.1-2% and demineralized (DM) water in the range of from 88-94%.

The method of forming a composition described above, wherein the composition is in form of a powder and comprises mixing in step d) microbial consortium in the range of from 3-7%, essential amino acid in the range of from 0.5-4%, fulvic acid in the range of from 0.5-4%, activator in the range of from 0.5-3% and China clay in the range of from 88-94%.

The method of forming a composition described above, wherein in step a) the selected bacteria are grown individually in the specific medium comprising jaggery, potassium source like dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4) or dipotassium phosphate (K2HPO4), yeast extract, and one or more of additional nutrients like Magnesium Sulphate (MgSO4), Sodium chloride (NaCl), Potassium chloride (KCl), Ammonium molybdate, Zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) as described in tables 2, 3 and 4.

The method of forming a composition as described above, wherein in step c) the bacteria are grown in a single production medium comprising jaggery 0.5-1.0 g, KH2PO4 0.05-0.1 g, K2HPO4 0.05-.1 g, MgSO4 0.02-0.03 g, NaCl 0.05-0.1 g, KCl 0.05-0.1 g, ammonium molybdate 0.2-0.5 g, ZnSO4 0.001-0.002 g, yeast extract 0.3-0.5 g, and having a pH between 6.5 to 7.5.

The present invention provides a method of improving the overall plant growth, development, productivity and soil quality comprising the step of applying the consortium or composition provided above to the plants, plant parts, fruits, vegetables or soil.

Plant growth promotion assays
The effect of composition in the form of granules and liquid is studied on three plants brinjal, paddy or rice capsicum in comparison with control and market fertilizer. The control group is the group in the experiment does not involve use of any treatment in particular any fertilizer. To evaluate the efficacy of composition over commercially available market fertilizer, a separate treatment group is subjected to application of a market fertilizer for carrying out the growth promotion assays. The assays on brinjal are carried out at Karnal, Haryana and different parameters observed and assessed are crop vigour, shoot length, root length, shoot weight, root weight, fruit count, yield (kg/plot and qt/acre) in a plot size19.5 sq.m. On the other hand, assays on paddy or rice are carried out at Trichy, Tamil Nadu and Dhamdha, Chhattisgarh and different parameters are observed and assessed. The plot size at Dhamdha and Trichy is 8.5 and 10.5 sq.m respectively. The average plot size is 9.5 sq.m. The different parameters observed and assessed are crop vigour, shoot length, root length, shoot weight, root weight, tiller count, tiller count, length of flag leaves, width of flag leaves, length of panicles at harvest, weight of panicles, test weight, yield (kg/plot and qt/acre.) The assays on capsicum are carried out at field at karnal and different parameters observed and assessed are crop vigour, shoot length, root length, shoot weight, root weight, fruit count, yield (kg/plot and qt/acre) in a plot size 9 sq.m.

Table 6: Comparative growth promotion assessment of composition in the form of granules with control and market fertilizer, when applied on brinjal

Parameter Type Parameter observed in brinjal Parameter Observation control Observation composition Observation market fertilizer Rate of change (composition over control) Rate of change (market fertilizer over control)
Additional Driver Crop Vigour at 90 DAT % IOU Crop Vigour - - - 13% 9%
Avg Shoot Length at 45DAT (cm) Shoot Length 51.5 54.2 52.3 5% 2%
Avg Root Length at 45 DAT (cm) Root Length 23.7 23.1 22.5 -3% -5%
Avg Shoot Weight at 45 DAT (gm) Shoot Weight 1380 1510 1280 9% -7%
Avg Root Weight at 45 DAT (gm) Root Weight 77.33 123.33 91.67 59% 19%
Avg Fruit Count Fruit Count 4 4 4 0% 0%
Economic Driver Yield (kg/Plot) Yield 37 38 35 3% -5%
Yield (qt/acre) Yield 76.79 78.86 72.64 3% -5%

The comparative analysis, as detailed in Table 6, demonstrates the significant improvements in plant growth parameters achieved through the application of the composition. Specifically, plant treated with composition exhibited a marked increase in shoot length, root length, shoot weight, root weight, fruit count, and yield kg/plot, yield qt/acre compared to both the control (no fertilizer) and the market fertilizer. For instance, the shoot length increased from 51.5 cm in the control group to 54.2 cm with the composition, marking an increase of 5% over the control. In terms of biomass accumulation, the composition led to an increase in shoot weight, which is recorded at 1510 g surpassing the 1380 g observed in the control, representing an increase of about 9% compared to the control. Root weight also showed a notable improvement, with the composition yielding 123.33 g, as opposed to 77.33 g in the control, representing an increase of about 59% compared to the control. Crop vigour a comprehensive measure of overall plant health and growth performance, improved by approximately 13% with composition compared to the control. Similarly, the yield is significantly higher in plants treated with the composition.

The results demonstrate that the application of composition of the present invention have the ability of enhancing the growth of brinjal without additional use of chemicals. This finding indicates the possibility that brinjal growth under field conditions, specifically in karnal on a plot size of 19.5 sq.m, could be maintained or even enhanced while reducing the application of synthetic fertilizer.

Table 7: Comparative growth promotion assessment of composition in the form of liquid with control and market fertilizer, when applied on brinjal

Parameter type Parameter observed in brinjal Parameter Observation control Observation composition Observation market fertilizer Rate of change (composition control) Rate of change (market fertilizer over control)
Additional Driver Crop Vigour at 90 DAT % IOU Crop Vigour - - - 12% 9%
Avg Shoot Length at 45DAT (cm) Shoot Length 51.5 55 50.7 7% -2%
Avg Root Length at 45 DAT (cm) Root Length 23.7 24.4 22.9 3% -3%
Avg Shoot Weight at 45 DAT (gm) Shoot Weight 1380 1520 1030 10% -25%
Avg Root Weight at 45 DAT (gm) Root Weight 77.33 108.33 85 40% 10%
Avg Fruit Count Fruit Count 4 5 4 25% 0%
Economic Driver Yield (kg/Plot) Yield 37 44 37 19% 0%
Yield (qt/acre) Yield 76.78923 91.31692 76.78923 0.189189 0

The comparative analysis, as detailed in Table 7, demonstrates the significant improvements in plant growth parameters achieved through the application of the composition in the form of liquid. Specifically, plant treated with composition exhibited a marked increase in shoot length, root length, shoot weight, root weight, fruit count, yield kg/plot, yield qt/acre compared to both the control (no fertilizer) and the market fertilizer. For instance, shoot length increased from 51.5 cm in control to 55 cm with the composition, representing an increase of about 7%. Similarly, root length enhanced from 23.7 cm in control to 24.4 cm with the composition, representing an increase of about 3%. In terms of biomass accumulation, the composition led to an increase in shoot weight, which is recorded at 1520 g surpassing the 1380 g observed in the control, representing an increase of about 10% compared to the control. Root weight also showed a notable improvement, with the composition yielding 108.33 g, as opposed to 77.33 g in the control, representing an increase of about 40% compared to the control. Crop vigour is improved by approximately 12% with composition compared to the control. Notably, the composition also led to an increase in fruit count rising from 4 in the control to 5 in the group treated with composition, representing an increase of about 25%. The overall yield per plot increased markedly, with composition producing a yield of 44 kg per plot, compared to 37 kg in control.
The results demonstrate that the application of composition in the form liquid of the present invention have the ability of enhancing the growth of brinjal. This finding indicates the possibility that brinjal growth under field conditions, specifically in karnal on a plot size of 19.5 sq.m, could be maintained or even enhanced while reducing the application of synthetic fertilizer.

Table 8: Comparative growth promotion assessment of composition in the form of liquid with control and market fertilizer, when applied on paddy/rice
Parameter Type
Parameter observed in paddy/ rice Parameter Observation control Observation composition Observation market fertilizer Rate of change (composition over control) Rate of change (market fertilizer over control)
Additional Driver Crop Vigour at 60 DAT % IOU Crop Vigour - - - 19% 23%
Avg Shoot Length at 50DAT (cm) Shoot Length 67.59 72.75 75.27 8% 11%
Avg Root Length at 50 DAT (cm) Root Length 18.67 20.6 22.23 15% 10%
Avg Shoot Weight at 50 DAT (gm) Shoot Weight 52.4 57.83 66.92 17% 28%
Avg Root Weight at 50 DAT (gm) Root Weight 31.35 33.6 37.98 17% 21%
Avg Tiller Count at 50 DAT NA/Tiller count 14 15 16 10% 18%
Avg productive Tiller Count No. of Productive Tillers 11 12 12 7% 11%
Length of Flag Leaves at 80 DAT (cm) Length of Flag Leaves 25.34 26.4 27.9 4% 10%
Width of Flag Leaves at 80 DAT (cm) Width of Flag Leaves 1.27 1.47 1.38 15% 8%
Length of Panicles at Harvest (cm) NA/Panicles length 20.77 22.14 22.9 9% 12%
Weight of Panicles (gm) NA/Panicles weight 2.68 3.13 3.2 15% 19%
Test Weight (gm) NA/Test weight 18.57 18.99 19.54 2% 5%
Economic Driver Yield (kg/Plot) Yield 5.86 6.5 6.94 11% 19%
Yield (qt/acre) Yield 24.9636 27.69 29.5644 11% 19%

The comparative analysis, as detailed in Table 8, demonstrates the significant improvements in plant growth parameters achieved through the application of the composition in the form of liquid. Specifically, plant treated with composition exhibited a marked increase in shoot length, root length, shoot weight, root weight, tiller count, no. of productive tillers, flag leaves length, flag leaves width, panicles at harvest length, panicles weight, test weight, yield kg/plot, yield qt/acre compared to both the control (no fertilizer) and the market fertilizer. For instance, shoot length increased from 67.59 cm in control to 72.75 cm with the composition, representing an increase of about 8%. Similarly, root length enhanced from 18.67 cm in control to 20.6 cm with the composition, representing an increase of about 15%. In terms of biomass accumulation, the composition led to increase in shoot weight, which is recorded at 57.83 g using \ composition surpassing the 52.4 g observed in the control, representing an increase of about 17% compared to the control. Root weight also showed a notable improvement, with the composition yielding 33.6 g, as opposed to 31.35 g in control, representing an increase of about 17% compared to the control. Crop vigour is improved by approximately 19% with composition compared to the control. Similarly, tiller count increased to 15 with the composition, compared to 14 in the control, representing a 10% increase. The no. of productive tillers increased to 12 with composition, compared to 11 in the control, representing a 7% increase. Additionally, length of flag leaves increased to 26.4 with the composition, compared to 25.34 in the control group, representing a 4% increase. The width of flag leaves increased to 1.47 with composition, compared to 1.27 in the control, representing a 15% increase. The panicles length increased to 22.14 with composition, compared to 20.77 in control, representing a 9% increase. The panicles weight increased to 3.13 with composition, compared to 2.68 in the control, representing a 15% increase. The test weight increased to 18.99 with composition, compared to 18.57 in the control, representing a 2% increase. Similarly, the yield significantly increases from 5.86 in the control to 6.5 with composition, representing an 11% increase.

The results demonstrate that the application of composition in the form liquid of the present invention have the ability of enhancing the growth of paddy. This finding indicates the possibility that paddy growth under field conditions, specifically in Dhamdha on a plot size of 8.5 sq.m and Trichy on a plot size of 9.5 sq.m, could be maintained or even enhanced while reducing the application of synthetic fertilizer.

Table 9: Comparative growth promotion assessment of composition in the form of liquid with control and market fertilizer, when applied on capsicum

Parameter Type
Parameter observed in capsicum Observation control Observation composition Observation market fertilizer Rate of change (composition over control) Rate of change (market fertilizer over control)
Additional Driver Crop Vigour - - - 8% 6%
Shoot Length 51.5 43.5 41.7 -16% -19%
Root Length 23.7 17.8 17.4 -25% -27%
Shoot Weight 1380 325.87 306.47 -76% -78%
Root Weight 77.33 29.77 28.59 -62% -63%
Fruit Count 4 4 4 0% 0%
Economic Driver Yield 37 44 37 19% 0%

The comparative analysis, as detailed in Table 9, demonstrates the significant improvements in plant growth parameters achieved through the application of the composition in the form of liquid. Specifically, plants treated with composition exhibited a marked significant increase in yield from 37 in the control to 44 with composition, representing a 19% increase. Additionally, crop vigour is improved by approximately 8% with composition compared to the control.

The present invention provides effective strain for maximum nitrogen-fixing, phosphate solubilizing and potassium mobilizing. The present invention provides a consortium of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium [NPK] microbes that are symbiotic with each other for optimum growth and non-competitiveness within themselves. The present invention also provides a composition to be used as bio-fertilizer, comprising said microbial consortium and agriculturally accepted excipient. It also provides consistent efficacy and benefits to crop growth and productivity.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It is therefore contemplated that such modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention as defined.

,CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. A microbial consortium comprising at least one, two or more or combination of bacteria selected from the group consisting of a nitrogen-fixing bacteria, a phosphate solubilizing bacteria, a potassium-mobilizing bacteria, wherein the nitrogen-fixing bacteria is Paenibacillus azotofixans (Accession No: MTCC-8319), the phosphate solubilizing bacteria is Bacillus aryabhattai (Accession No: NAIMCC- ID 5208- B-01819), and the potassium-mobilizing bacteria is Pseudomonas azotoformans (Accession No: NAIMCC- ID 6979- B-02563).

2. The microbial consortium as claimed in claim 1, wherein nitrogen- fixing bacteria is Paenibacillus azotofixans and is grown in production medium comprising jaggery 1.0-2.0 g-1L, MgSO4 0.2-0.4 g-1L, CaCO3 0.1-0.2 g-1L, NaCl 0.1-0.2 g-1L, K2HPO4 0.1-0.2 g-1L, KH2PO4 0.1-0.3, yeast extract 0.5-1.5 g-1L, ZnSO4 0.002-0.004 g-1L, NH4FeSO4 0.5-0.8 g-1L, glucose 1.0-4.0, KCl 0.2 g-1L, and molasses 1.0 g-1L, pH 6.8-7.0.

3. The microbial consortium as claimed in claim 1, wherein the phosphate solubilizing bacteria is Bacillus aryabhattai and is grown in production medium comprising jaggery 10.0 g-1L, MgSO4 2.0 g-1L, CaCO3 1.0 g-1L, NaCl 1.0 g-1L, K2HPO4 1.0 g-1L, yeast extract 5.0 g-1L and ZnSO4 0.02 g-1L, pH 7.0.

4. The microbial consortium as claimed in claim 1, wherein the potassium mobilizing bacteria is Pseudomonas azotoformans and is grown in production medium comprising jaggery 7.0 g-1L, MgSO4 3.0 g-1L, CaCO3 1.0 g-1L, NaCl 1.0 g-1L, K2HPO4 1.0 g-1L, yeast extract 5.0 g-1L, ZnSO4 0.002 g-1L and ammonium molybdate 5.0 g-1L, pH 6.8-7.0.

5. A composition comprising the microbial consortium as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the composition comprises agriculturally accepted excipient.

6. The composition as claimed in claim 5, wherein the consortium comprises nitrogen-fixing bacteria, the phosphate solubilizing bacteria and the potassium-mobilizing bacteria in a ratio of around 1:1:1.

7. The composition as claimed in claim 5, wherein the agriculturally accepted excipients selected from a group comprising carriers, thickeners, emulsifiers, adjuvants, surfactants, coating agents, suspending agents, stabilizers, wetting agents, gelling agents, or a mixture thereof.

8. The composition as claimed in claim 5, wherein the composition is in form of an emulsion, micro emulsion, granules, powder, suspension, capsule, liquid, or a spray.

9. The composition as claimed in claim 5, wherein the composition is in form of a liquid and comprises microbial consortium as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5 in the range of from 3-7%, essential amino acid in the range of from 1-3%, in the range of from fulvic acid 1-3%, activator in the range of from 0.1-2% and demineralized (DM) water in the range of from 88-94%.

10. The composition as claimed in claim 5, wherein the composition is in form of a powder and comprises microbial consortium as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5 in the range of from 3-7%, essential amino acid in the range of from 0.5-4%, fulvic acid in the range of from 0.5-4%, activator in the range of from 0.5-3% and China clay in the range of from 88-94%.

11. The composition as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the activator is phytase.

12. The composition as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition is a substitute for chemical fertilizer and reduces the use of chemical fertilizer.

13. The composition according to any of the preceding claims as and when used as NPK fertilizer.

14. A method of forming a composition for use as a biofertilizer, the method comprising: -
a. culturing one or more of bacteria selected from the group consisting of a nitrogen-fixing bacteria, Paenibacillus azotofixans (Accession No: MTCC-8319); a phosphate solubilizing bacteria, Bacillus aryabhattai (Accession No: NAIMCC- ID 5208- B-01819); a potassium-mobilizing bacteria, Pseudomonas azotoformans (Accession No: NAIMCC- ID 6979- B-02563) individually;
b. mixing the cells/spores of the nitrogen-fixing bacteria, Paenibacillus azotofixans; phosphate solubilizing bacteria, Bacillus aryabhattai; potassium-mobilizing bacteria, Pseudomonas azotoformans in ratio of in the range of from percentage concentration ratio of 0.5-1.7; 1.3-2.8; 0.7-1.4 to obtain a NPK microbial consortium;
c. co-culturing the NPK microbial consortium of step b) in single production media to achieve a concentration of nitrogen-fixing bacteria, Paenibacillus azotofixans; phosphate solubilizing bacteria, Bacillus aryabhattai; potassium-mobilizing bacteria, Pseudomonas azotoformans of around 1:1:1 , having each individual culture in the count of at least 1010 Cfu/g to obtain a consortium microbe;
d. mixing consortium microbe of step c) with the agriculturally accepted excipients selected from a group comprising carriers, thickeners, emulsifiers, adjuvants, surfactants, coating agents, suspending agents, stabilizers, wetting agents, gelling agents, or a mixture thereof to obtain a composition.

15. The method of forming a composition as claimed in claim 14, wherein nitrogen- fixing bacteria is Paenibacillus azotofixans and is grown in production medium comprising jaggery 1.0-2.0 g-1L, MgSO4 0.2-0.4 g-1L, CaCO3 0.1-0.2 g-1L, NaCl 0.1-0.2 g-1L, K2HPO4 0.1-0.2 g-1L, KH2PO4 0.1-0.3, yeast extract 0.5-1.5 g-1L, ZnSO4 0.002-0.004 g-1L, NH4FeSO4 0.5-0.8 g-1L, glucose 1.0-4.0, KCl 0.2 g-1L, and molasses 1.0 g-1L, pH 6.8-7.0.

16. The method of forming a composition as claimed in claim 14, wherein the phosphate solubilizing bacteria is Bacillus aryabhattai and is grown in production medium comprising jaggery 10.0 g-1L, MgSO4 2.0 g-1L, CaCO3 1.0 g-1L, NaCl 1.0 g-1L, K2HPO4 1.0 g-1L, yeast extract 5.0 g-1L and ZnSO4 0.02 g-1L, pH 7.0.

17. The method of forming a composition as claimed in claim 14, wherein the potassium mobilizing bacteria is Pseudomonas azotoformans and is grown in production medium comprising jaggery 7.0 g-1L, MgSO4 3.0 g-1L, CaCO3 1.0 g-1L, NaCl 1.0 g-1L, K2HPO4 1.0 g-1L, yeast extract 5.0 g-1L, ZnSO4 0.002 g-1L and ammonium molybdate 5.0 g-1L, pH 6.8-7.0.

18. The method of forming a composition as claimed in claim 14, wherein the composition is in form of a liquid and comprises mixing in step d) microbial consortium in the range of from 3-7%, essential amino acid in the range of from 1-3%, in the range of from fulvic acid 1-3%, activator in the range of from 0.1-2% and demineralized (DM) water in the range of from 88-94%.

19. The method of forming a composition as claimed in claim 14, wherein the composition is in form of a powder and comprises mixing in step d) microbial consortium in the range of from 3-7%, essential amino acid in the range of from 0.5-4%, fulvic acid in the range of from 0.5-4%, activator in the range of from 0.5-3% and China clay in the range of from 88-94%.

20. A method of improving the overall plant growth, development, productivity and soil quality comprising the step of applying the consortium or composition as claimed in any of the claims provided above to the plants, plant parts, fruits, vegetables or soil.

Dated this 3rd day of April 2025

Gitika Suri (IN-PA-1788)
Of Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas
Agents for the Applicant