Optimization of biofertilizers derived from vinegar residues to improve soil quality and alleviate salinization of the land

Abstract

Abstract Saline land rehabilitation plays a crucial role in expanding arable land resources and ensuring food security. To achieve green and sustainable improvement of saline and alkaline land, the present study utilizes vinegar residue waste composted with inter-root bacteria PGPR (phosphorus solubilizing, potassium solubilizing, and nitrogen fixing bacteria) to produce organic fertilizers that are beneficial to plants, thus rehabilitating saline and alkaline land. The total nutrient content (Σ (N + P2O5 + K2O) of the heap at the end of composting increases by 49.85%. PKN-VR (vinegar residue compost with added phosphorus solubilizing, potassium solubilizing, and nitrogen-fixing bacteria) treatment group significantly increases the stem length (55.99%), root length (54.29%), fresh weight (71.4%), and dry weight (57.9%) of wheat seedlings in the saline soil. In addition, the compost products increase the content of chlorophyll (62.2%), proline (94%), and soluble sugar (62.7%), and decrease the content of MAD (malondialdehyde) by 24.05%, thus enhancing the resilience of wheat seedlings. The contents of total nitrogen, total potassium, and total phosphorus, as well as quick-acting potassium, quick-acting phosphorus, and alkaline dissolved nitrogen in the soils of the treatment groups are significantly increased by the addition of microorganisms. The soil fertility enhancement also increases the enzyme activities of the soil. The results show that PKN-VR has considerable potential in saline soil remediation, realizes the resource utilization of vinegar residue waste, and provides a new management method for the green development of agriculture.