Metabolic analysis of liquid formulations of organic manures and its influence on growth and yield of Solanum lycopersicum L. (tomato) crop in field

We report biochemical analysis of two formulations of liquid Organic Manures (OMs), which were prepared using raw materials readily available to farmers in fields; thus presenting them with cost-effective organic preparations. Previously reported microbial analysis of these OMs indicated presence of rich microbial consortia which enhance plant growth by making nutrient available to crop from soil. Likewise, we observed stimulatory effects of these two OMs on tomato plants in field trials that were marked by improved seed germination and growth by 2-and 3-folds, respectively. Metabolic profiling of the two preparations using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy revealed presence of several plant-growth regulators, nucleobases, vitamins, amino acids, sugars and organic acids. This study provides a vital biochemical link in understanding the positive effect of organic molecules of microbial origin in OMs. But, along with these biomolecules, we also observed traces of fungicides and herbicides in all the preparations hinting at contaminated raw materials. This highlights the importance of robust analysis procedures in animal feeds and plant materials using analytical tools such as NMR spectroscopy based analysis that will aid farmers in not only preparing high quality nutrient management systems but with minimal residual pesticides. Moreover, cost effective preparations of OMs from animal wastes will open a window for organic farming beneficial for human society.