The current study investigates to what extent a bioactive formulation, previously shown to suppress soil- borne plant pathogens, can affect the growth of the Faba bean plant. This formulation is expected to inhibit harmful pathogens and promote plant growth by gradually releasing essential nutrients derived from the co-digestion of two bio-wastes, namely the pulping liquor of rice straw and chicken feathers.

The experiment tested different ratios of formulation to soil: a control group with no formulation and three treatment groups with increasing formulation concentrations (0.125%, 0.25%, and 0.5%). Each treatment was replicated three times. As expected, the concentration of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in the soil increased with higher formulation percentages. The highest nutrient content was observed in the 0.5% formulation treatment.

Furthermore, applying this formulation resulted in the highest uptake of essential nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, or NPK) in both the shoots and grains of the plants. Additionally, there was a significant increase in the protein content of the grains across all varieties during the studied season.

This suggests a potential benefit of such dual-functional compost (DFC) in the soil, releasing a combination of components from the digested feathers and pulping liquor. These breakdown products formed a valuable and economical biofertilizer while also protecting plants as a biopesticide.