Explained Types, Benefits and Uses As an overall sustainable agriculture movement (practices aimed at improving soil health and nutritional quality of crops), biofertilizers come to forefront. Biofertilizers are also cost-effective, sustainable, and eco-friendly and will improve soil quality in a sustainable manner. In this article, we discuss the definition of biofertilizers, their types, benefits of biofertilizers, and how biofertilizers are used today in agriculture
What Are Biofertilizers?
Biofertilizers are organic materials containing microorganisms that can improve soil nutrient availability and enhance plant growth through various mechanisms: fixing atmospheric nitrogen, decomposing organic matter, and solubilizing minerals and nutrients. Biofertilizers are recognized as an important part of sustainable agriculture because they reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers, reduce environmental impact, and improve soil quality.
Types of Biofertilizers
1. Nitrogen-Fixing Biofertilizers
These biofertilizers have bacteria that fix atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for plants. The most prevalent nitrogen-fixing biofertilizers are:
- Rhizobium: Establishes symbiotic associations with leguminous plants such as peas, beans, and lentils.
- Azotobacter: Free-living bacteria that increase nitrogen availability in non-leguminous crops like wheat, maize, and rice.
- Azospirillum: Suitable for cereals, millets, and grasses, stimulating root growth and nutrient uptake.
2. Phosphate-Solubilizing Biofertilizers
These fertilizers assist in transforming insoluble phosphate into plant-usable form. Examples include:
- Pseudomonas: Assists in phosphorus solubilization and plant growth.
- Bacillus spp.: Enhances phosphorus availability to increase crop yields.
3. Potassium-Solubilizing Biofertilizers
These microbes degrade potassium-containing minerals, and the potassium is made available to plants.
- Frateuria aurantia: A versatile bacterium used, which enhances potassium uptake and soil fertility.
4. Mycorrhizal Biofertilizers
These fungi associate symbiotically with plant roots, increasing water and nutrient uptake.
- Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF): Enhance plant stress and disease resistance.
5. Compost-Based
These are nutrient-rich composts having microbes as beneficial additives to enhance the organic matter content of soil.
- Vermicompost: Blend of decomposed wastes and earthworm castings.
- Farmyard Manure (FYM): High in beneficial bacteria that add fertility to soil.
6. Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae)
These are nitrogen-fixing, photosynthetic bacteria that add fertility to soil.
- Anabaena and Nostoc: Widely applied in paddy fields as nitrogen enrichers.
7. Bio-Pesticidal
Such biofertilizers have microorganisms that serve to protect plants against insects and diseases.
- Trichoderma: A fungus that fights soil-borne diseases and increases the immunity of the plant.
- Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt): Produces toxins that are dangerous to insects but harmless to plants and humans.
Benefits of Biofertilizers
1. Enhance Soil Fertility
Biofertilizers enhance the soil’s structure and nutrient status by fixing nitrogen, solubilizing phosphorus, and accelerating organic matter decomposition.
2. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
Biofertilizers are different from chemical fertilizers because they do not degrade the soil, contaminate water, or produce greenhouse gases.
3. Cost-Effective Solution
Biofertilizers reduce the application of synthetic fertilizers, thus cutting the cost of agriculture while ensuring sustainable production.
4. Improves Crop Yield and Quality
Through increased nutrient levels and plant immunity, biofertilizers contribute to enhanced plant growth and yields.
5. Boosts Plant Immunity
Friendly microbes in some biofertilizers suppress plant diseases, reducing the application of chemical pesticides.
6. Reduces Soil Erosion
Biofertilizers enhance soil strength, preventing erosion and maintaining water content.
7. Encourages Organic Farming
Since there is an increasing demand for organic food, biofertilizers help farmers maintain chemical-free farming.
Uses of Biofertilizers in Agriculture
1. Seed Treatment
Biofertilizers are used on seeds before sowing to ensure better germination, root development, and protection against diseases.
2. Soil Application
Biofertilizers can be mixed with compost or organic manure and applied to the soil for improving fertility.
3. Foliar Spray
Liquid biofertilizers can be applied as foliar spray on plant leaves directly to enhance nutrient entry and plant development.
4. Root Dipping
Before transplanting the seedlings, their roots are inoculated in biofertilizer suspensions to promote early growth and stress resistance.
5. Application Through Irrigation
Biofertilizers can be mixed with water and supplied through drip or sprinkler irrigation systems for enhanced supply of nutrients.
How to Choose the Right Biofertilizer
When choosing a biofertilizer, note the following factors:
- Crop Type: There are various biofertilizers with different crops suited for them.
- Soil Condition: Evaluate soil nutrient deficiencies prior to application.
- Climate Conditions: Temperature, humidity, and organic material affect microbial growth.
- Intercompatibility with Other Inputs: The biofertilizer should not react negatively with other soil inputs.
Challenges in Using Biofertilizers
1. Storage and Shelf Life
Biofertilizers involve living organisms that need to be stored under appropriate conditions to preserve viability.
2. Slow Action Compared to Chemical Fertilizers
In contrast to synthetic fertilizers, which release nutrients immediately, biofertilizers are slow in action.
3. Lack of Awareness Among Farmers
Most farmers are still unaware of the advantages and application methods of biofertilizers.
4. Variable Efficacy
Performance is variable depending on soil type, climate, and agricultural practices.
Conclusion
Biofertilizers are eco-friendly and efficient substitutes for chemical fertilizers, ensuring soil fertility, plant development, and nature preservation. As effective and safe fertilizers, their wide application and use in current agricultural practices have made them pivotal to sustainable agriculture. With their diverse characteristics, advantages, and suitable modes of application, farmers can take knowledgeable choices for boosting crop yield without harming the environment.
FAQs
Q- 1. Are biofertilizers better than chemical fertilizers?
Ans- Yes, biofertilizers are eco-friendly, inexpensive, and enhance long-term soil fertility, as compared to chemical fertilizers that can negatively affect soil quality in the longer run.
Q- 2. Can biofertilizers be used with chemical fertilizers?
Ans- Yes, biofertilizers can be supplement with chemical fertilizers by improving the availability of nutrients and minimizing the use of synthetic inputs.
Q- 3. How long does it take for biofertilizers to show results?
Ans-Biofertilizers act in a few weeks to months to enhance soil fertility and plant vigor, varying with environmental factors and application techniques.
Q- 4. Are biofertilizers safe for all crops?
Ans-Yes, biofertilizers are safe on all crops, such as cereals, pulses, vegetables, and fruits.
Q- 5. Where can I buy biofertilizers?
Ans-Biofertilizers are purchasable from agricultural shops, online stores, and from government or private dealers.