From Waste to Worth: Using Fermented Orange Pomace in Sustainable Feed Production

Modern agriculture faces the dual challenge of producing environmentally friendly feed while minimizing chemical fertilizers and energy use. This study evaluates the use of orange pomace fermentation liquor (OPFL) as a bio-fertilizer to enhance the growth and nutritional content of sprouted barley for sustainable feed production. We conducted multiple assays to determine OPFL's growth-promotion potential, including in vitro phosphate solubilization, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, biofilm formation, and antimicrobial effects. Biosafety assays confirmed the absence of coliforms and hemolytic activity. Four barley varieties (Giza 2000, Giza 138, Giza 132, and Giza 126) were treated with OPFL in a hydroponic germination system, with significant improvements observed across several parameters. For example, in Giza 2000, chlorophyll content increased from 4.28 to 4.74, protein content rose from 12.15% to 22.07%, and plant height grew from 13.6 cm to 16.4 cm, representing increases of 10.7%, 81.6%, and 20.6%, respectively. Fresh biomass yield also saw a slight increase, though not statistically significant. This comprehensive evaluation suggests that OPFL is a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers, enhancing barley yield and quality in animal feed systems.