Using Bacillus Subtilis and Keratinous Waste to Enhance the Growth Dactylis glomerata and Hordeum vulgare

Overview

Two contributors to global warming are the disposal of keratinous waste in landfills and the chemical synthesis of nitrogen fertilizers. These create greenhouse gases, pollutants, and health risks for farmers. Our experiment creates a novel, sustainable, nitrogen-enriched soil amendment using the keratinolytic abilities of B. subtilis and nitrogen naturally found in keratinous waste. Previous, separate studies have shown the keratin-degrading abilities of Bacillus subtilis and the use of keratinous material in fertilizers. We hypothesized that as the Bacillus subtilis breaks down dog hair in soil, nitrogen would be released, leading to enhanced plant growth and health. Hordeum vulgare and Dactylis glomerata were grown for this experiment. Control plants and plants grown in soil amended with three variables -Bacillus subtilis and dog hair, Bacillus subtilis, and dog hair alone were studied. After a fourteen-day growth period, the results were compared and evaluated. Results strongly indicated that plants grown with Bacillus subtilis and dog hair exhibited the most growth overall, along with visible signs of increased health, suggesting our hypothesis was supported. Although more experimentation should be conducted, these findings indicate creating a sustainable, nitrogen-enriched fertilizer by recycling keratinous waste using Bacillus subtilis, as a promising possibility.

Competition history

• CSEF 2026 Plant Biology (Junior Division) · Entry J-18-12

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