Cost and return analysis in using beneficial microbes in organic fertilizer versus chemical fertilizer in eggplant production: A research note
Paper Details
Cost and return analysis in using beneficial microbes in organic fertilizer versus chemical fertilizer in eggplant production: A research note
Abstract
This research note examines the cost and benefit evaluation of utilizing beneficial microbes in organic fertilizers versus traditional chemical fertilizers in the production of eggplant (Solanum melongena). With agriculture progressively looking for sustainable options to synthetic inputs, the use of organic fertilizers enriched with microbial inoculants offers a practical solution. The research highlights the importance of beneficial microbes in boosting soil quality, increasing nutrient absorption, and supporting plant development, which may lead to higher economic profits. This project utilized experimental design—from no fertilizer to conventional and organic fertilizer inputs with beneficial microbes—were utilized to assess crop performance. Initial results suggest that eggplants amended with organic fertilizer with beneficial microbes along with wastewater showed the greatest return on investment, highlighting the success of microbial use in enhancing agricultural output. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the existing issue of local communities not fully utilizing organic waste, which makes up a substantial part of municipal waste. Raising understanding of the advantages of utilizing organic fertilizers and microbial bioactivators is vital for transforming waste into a resource. As consumer demand for organic products increases, the results indicate that farmers adopting these sustainable methods can gain financially and aid in maintaining ecological balance. This study highlights the real-world effects of utilizing beneficial microbes in farming, establishing a basis for future research aimed at improving sustainability and profitability in agricultural crop yields.
Agricultural Training Institute, Department of Agriculture (ATI-DA). n.d. Package of technology (POT) for eggplant production (Eggplant production guide). https://ati.da.gov.ph/rtc10/sites/default/files/EGGPLANT%20PRODUCTION%20GUIDE.pdf
Calculator.net. n.d. Return on investment calculator. https://www.calculator.net/roi-calculator.html (Accessed February 28, 2025).
Canfora L, Pugliese M, Furmanczyk EM. 2024. Editorial: The impact of environmentally friendly agricultural practices on soil microbiome. Frontiers in Microbiology 15, 1505220. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2024.1505220
Chaudhary A, Chaudhary P, Abou Fayssal S, Singh S, Jaiswal DK, Tripathi V, Kumar J. 2024. Exploring beneficial microbes and their multifaceted applications: An overview, pp. 1–28. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-0633-4_1
ELR Family Trading Co., Inc. (ELRTCI). 2018. The Organiculture Innovator Company. Beneficial microorganism “Super Decomposer” – ELR Family Trading Co., Inc. http://elrfamilytrading.com/2018/12/14/beneficial-microorganism-super-decomposer/
González J, Torres R, Fernandez P. 2022. Consumer preferences and market trends in organic farming. Agricultural Economics Review 35(2), 201–217.
He S, Zhang Y, Yang X, Li Q, Li CT, Yao T. 2024. Effects of microbial inoculants combined with chemical fertilizer on growth and soil nutrient dynamics of Timothy (Phleum pratense L.). Agronomy 14(5), 1016. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14051016
Huang X, Li Y, Zhao Q. 2020. Impact of organic and chemical fertilizers on soil properties and crop yield. Journal of Agricultural Sciences 12(3), 89–102.
Jat RS, Datta A, Sharma P. 2021. Role of microbial inoculants in sustainable agriculture. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 155, 108–119.
Mishra S, Patel J, Kumar R. 2020. Long-term effects of chemical fertilizers on soil degradation and crop productivity. International Journal of Agronomy 45(1), 56–72.
Qadir M, Hussain A, Iqbal A, Shah F, Wu W, Cai H. 2024. Microbial utilization to nurture robust agroecosystems for food security. Agronomy 14(9), 1891. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14091891
Smith B, Thompson L, Richards J. 2019. Soil health and productivity: Comparing organic and chemical inputs. Sustainable Agriculture Journal 8(1), 34–50.
Jomar L. Aban, 2025. Cost and return analysis in using beneficial microbes in organic fertilizer versus chemical fertilizer in eggplant production: A research note. J. Biodiv. Environ. Sci., 26(3), 120-125.
Copyright © 2025 by the Authors. This article is an open access article and distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) license.