Lactose
Lactose, a readily fermentable carbohydrate derived from dairy products, plays a vital role in agricultural formulations. Its high fermentability makes it a valuable component in biofertilizers, fertilizers, and pesticide formulations. Used as a filler or additive, lactose serves as an energy source for beneficial microorganisms. In biofertilizers, it enhances microbial activity, promoting soil fertility and plant health. When incorporated into fertilizers, lactose improves nutrient availability in the soil, supporting robust plant growth and higher yields. Additionally, in pesticide formulations, it can act as a carrier for beneficial microbes, facilitating biological pest control. Lactose’s versatility and ability to enhance microbial and plant functions make it a key ingredient in sustainable agricultural practices, contributing to healthier crops and environmentally friendly farming.
Mechanism of Action
- actose serves as a readily fermentable carbohydrate, providing a source of energy for beneficial microorganisms.
- It is Beneficial bacteria and fungi present in biofertilizers utilize lactose as a carbon and energy source through fermentation.
- It can act as a chelating agent, binding to certain minerals and nutrients, making them more available for plant uptake.
- It enhances the solubility of essential minerals in the soil, making them more accessible to plant roots.
Benefits of Lactose
- It fuels the growth of beneficial microbes in biofertilizers, ensuring a higher concentration of active microorganisms.
- utilise as a filler/additive in fertilizers reduces waste, as it can be sourced from dairy industry by-products.
- In pesticide formulations, lactose can serve as a carrier for beneficial microorganisms used in biological pest control.
- By improving nutrient availability in the soil, lactose-enriched fertilizers support plants in accessing essential minerals.
- It enhanced biofertilizers promote the development of healthy soil ecosystems.
Crops for Lactose
- Crops like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, strawberries, and melons benefit from products.
- Cereal crops such as wheat, rice, corn, and barley thrive with fertilizers.
- Leguminous crops like soybeans, peas, and lentils benefit from biofertilizers due to improved nitrogen fixation.
- Crops such as sunflower, canola, and soybeans, which are cultivated for their oils, benefit.
