AeroHydro Culture is based on organic matter usage; thus PGPR activity is one of
the key elements for the success of AeroHydro Culture methodology (see Chap. 7).
9.5.1 Composting
As organic matter is a basic component to accelerate PGPR activity, composting is
very important in the AeroHydro Culture system. It is well known that compost can
improve not only the physical and chemical properties of the soil, but also improve
the soil microbial community. Compost is an organic material similar to a slow
released fertilizer, which is an excellent biomaterial for PGPR activation and plant
growth promotion (PGP). The primary role of organic amendments is to rejuvenate
the soil by creating a favorable soil–plant–microbial environment and to make the
live–live soil system for healthy plant growth (Mahanty et al. 2017).
The main processes of composting include the preparation of decomposers and
selection of organic materials. Microbial decomposers agents are also found naturally, but it is unknown how good their enzymatic activities involved in the degradation of various compounds. Therefore, it is necessary to treat the composting
material with a formulated decomposer, which has a high degrading activity for
lignin, cellulose, protein, etc. Indeed, the decomposer selection is also included in
the PGPR activity, such as P-solubilization. During the composting processes, the
Fig. 9.5 Cabbage growth with LOB-BS application in the greenhouse experiment (inset) and in the
field
9 Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) and Compost Materials for. . .
315
the key elements for the success of AeroHydro Culture methodology (see Chap. 7).
9.5.1 Composting
As organic matter is a basic component to accelerate PGPR activity, composting is
very important in the AeroHydro Culture system. It is well known that compost can
improve not only the physical and chemical properties of the soil, but also improve
the soil microbial community. Compost is an organic material similar to a slow
released fertilizer, which is an excellent biomaterial for PGPR activation and plant
growth promotion (PGP). The primary role of organic amendments is to rejuvenate
the soil by creating a favorable soil–plant–microbial environment and to make the
live–live soil system for healthy plant growth (Mahanty et al. 2017).
The main processes of composting include the preparation of decomposers and
selection of organic materials. Microbial decomposers agents are also found naturally, but it is unknown how good their enzymatic activities involved in the degradation of various compounds. Therefore, it is necessary to treat the composting
material with a formulated decomposer, which has a high degrading activity for
lignin, cellulose, protein, etc. Indeed, the decomposer selection is also included in
the PGPR activity, such as P-solubilization. During the composting processes, the
Fig. 9.5 Cabbage growth with LOB-BS application in the greenhouse experiment (inset) and in the
field
9 Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) and Compost Materials for. . .
315