title: Microbiological features and bioactivity of a fermented manure product (preparation 500) used in biodynamic agriculture.
abstract: The fermented manure derivative known as Preparation 500 is traditionally used as a field spray in biodynamic agriculture for maintaining and increasing soil fertility. This work aimed at characterizing the product from a microbiological standpoint and at assaying its bioactive properties. The approach involved molecular taxonomical characterization of the culturable microbial community; ARISA fingerprints of the total bacteria and fungal communities; chemical elemental macronutrient analysis via a combustion analyzer; activity assays for six key enzymes; bioassays for bacterial quorum sensing and chitolipooligosaccharide production; and plant hormonelike activity. The material was found to harbor a bacterial community of 2.38 × 10(8) CFU/g dw dominated by Grampositives with minor instances of Actinobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria. ARISA showed a coherence of bacterial assemblages in different preparation lots of the same year in spite of geographic origin. Enzymatic activities showed elevated values of beta-glucosidase, alkaline phosphatase, chitinase, and esterase. The preparation had no quorum sensing-detectable signal, and no rhizobial nod gene-inducing properties, but displayed a strong auxin-like effect on plants. Enzymatic analyses indicated a bioactive potential in the fertility and nutrient cycling contexts. The IAA activity and microbial degradation products qualify for a possible activity as soil biostimulants. Quantitative details and possible modes of action are discussed.
authors: Department of Agronomy, Animals, Natural Resources and Environment - DAFNAE. University of Padua, Viale dell'Universita '16, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy.
authors: Matteo
authors: M
authors: Giannattasio
authors: Elena
authors: E
authors: Vendramin
authors: Flavio
authors: F
authors: Fornasier
authors: Sara
authors: S
authors: Alberghini
authors: Marina
authors: M
authors: Zanardo
authors: Fabio
authors: F
authors: Stellin
authors: Giuseppe
authors: G
authors: Concheri
authors: Piergiorgio
authors: P
authors: Stevanato
authors: Andrea
authors: A
authors: Ertani
authors: Serenella
authors: S
authors: Nardi
authors: Valeria
authors: V
authors: Rizzi
authors: Pietro
authors: P
authors: Piffanelli
authors: Riccardo
authors: R
authors: Spaccini
authors: Pierluigi
authors: P
authors: Mazzei
authors: Alessandro
authors: A
authors: Piccolo
authors: Andrea
authors: A
authors: Squartini
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000378:metabolism*; D005285:Fermentation; D005658:Fungi / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000378:metabolism*; D008372:Manure / Q000032:analysis / Q000382:microbiology*; D010802:Phylogeny; D012987:Soil / Q000032:analysis; D012988:Soil Microbiology
chemical_list: D008372:Manure; D012987:Soil