The production of biofertilizers, biostimulants, and agricultural microorganisms through fermentation processes is a key tool for advancing toward more sustainable, efficient, and environmentally friendly agriculture. However, it is a delicate biotechnological process, where small deviations can result in significant economic and quality losses.
In this article, we analyze the most common problems in agricultural fermentation and explain how they can be solved using bioreactors designed specifically for this sector, such as those developed by Techmi Group.
Agricultural fermentation: a key and demanding technology
In agricultural bioprocesses, the goal is not only to produce biomass, but also to ensure:
- High microbial viability
- Adequate concentration of spores or cells
- Stability of the final product
- Reproducibility between batches
This is especially critical in products such as Bacillus, Trichoderma, mycorrhizae, microbial consortia, or biological inoculants, where field performance depends directly on the quality of the fermentation process.
Problem 1: Contamination of microbial culture
Contamination is one of the main risks in the production of agricultural microorganisms. An inadequate valve, a poorly designed port, or a lack of sterilization can compromise an entire batch.
Techmi solution:
Techmi bioreactors are designed to minimize microbiological risks by:
- 316L stainless steel construction
- Hygienic design with no dead zones
- Sterilizable ports
- Optional CIP/SIP systems
- Safe valves for inoculation and sampling
Result: greater microbial stability, higher spore concentration, and longer shelf life of the bioinput.
Problem 2: Lack of control over pH, dissolved oxygen, and temperature
Minimal deviations in these parameters can reduce:
- Cell viability
- Enzymatic activity
- Germination capacity
- Metabolic efficiency
Techmi Solution
- High-precision sensors
- Automatic PID control
- Real-time monitoring
- Adjustable aeration
Result: reproducible processes and biofertilizers of consistent quality.
Problem 3: Poor oxygenation
Particularly critical in filamentous fungi and aerobic bacteria, poor oxygen transfer limits growth and production.
Techmi solution:
- Axial and radial flow impellers
- Precise gas management
- Automatic peristaltic pumps
Result: higher productivity per batch and lower failure rate.
Problem 4: Variability between batches
In agriculture, product stability is key to building farmer confidence and ensuring results in the field.
Techmi solution:
- PLC with HMI interface
- Automated prescriptions
- Data recording and traceability
Result: less variability between batches and greater reliability of the bioinput.
Problem 5: Difficulty scaling the process
Many bioprocesses work correctly in the laboratory, but fail when transferred to pilot plants or industrial production.
Techmi solution:
- LAB → PILOT → INDUSTRIAL scaling trains
- Same control systems across all volumes
- Modular design
Result: efficient, safe, and reproducible scaling.
Why is all this key in agriculture?
Because we are talking about living products, such as:
- Biofertilizers
- Biostimulants
- Biofungicides
- Growth promoters
- Microbial inoculants
In these products, viability, concentration, and stability directly determine success in the field and acceptance by farmers.
Techmi Group bioreactors: designed for real agriculture
At Techmi Group, we design bioreactors with the real needs of the agricultural sector in mind:
✔ High microbial concentration
✔ Stability during storage
✔ Advanced microbiological control
✔ Energy efficiency
✔ Ease of scaling
✔ Use of sustainable substrates
Our goal is to help you produce more efficient, stable, and competitive bio-inputs, aligned with current market demands and sustainability.
Shall we discuss your process?
If you are developing or producing agricultural microorganisms and want to optimize your fermentation process, at Techmi Group we know what you need.
https://techmigroup.com/en/
Problems in the production of biofertilizers and agricultural microorganisms: common causes and how to solve them.