Biofertilizer- Advantages, Types, methods of application and Disadvantages

Biofertilizers are essential to sustainable agriculture because they use natural processes to improve plant growth and soil fertility. They are a great substitute for chemical fertilizers due to their advantages in the areas of economy, agronomy, and the environment. However, knowledge of this kinds, application techniques, and potential drawbacks is essential for successful use.

Biofertilizer

Biofertilizers are natural substances that contain living microorganisms, which, when applied to seeds, plant surfaces, or soil, promote plant growth by increasing the supply or availability of primary nutrients to the host plant. Unlike chemical fertilizers, They are environmentally friendly and sustainable, enhancing soil fertility and promoting healthy plant growth through natural processes like nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, and the production of growth-promoting substances.

Advantages of Biofertilizers

Advantages for the environment:

They are a natural alternative to chemical fertilizers, which can have negative environmental impacts. This makes them more environmentally friendly.
Promote a healthy soil ecology by enhancing the soil’s structure, texture, and water-holding ability.
pollutants Reduction: By using less chemical fertilizers, contribute to a reduction in pollutants in the soil and water.

Benefits to the economy:

Effectiveness in terms of cost: Compared to chemical fertilizers, this are frequently less expensive and lower the whole cost of farming.
Enhancing soil fertility over an extended period of time is how they support sustainable farming practices.

Benefits for Agronomy:

Nitrogen and phosphorus are two important elements that biofertilizers help plants have more of access to.
Root growth and general plant development are stimulated, which results in increased yields.
Disease Resistant: By generating antibiotics and other growth-promoting compounds, many of them assist plants in fending off illnesses.

Types of Biofertilizers

1. Fixed-Nitrogen Biofertilizer:

Fixing atmospheric nitrogen into a form that is utilizable, rhizobium forms symbiotic connections with leguminous plants.
Free-living bacteria that fix nitrogen in the soil and promote plant growth are called azotobacter.
Azospirillum: Complements grass and cereal roots, enhancing root development and nitrogen availability.

2. Biofertilizers Dissolving Phosphate:

Plants can absorb phosphorus when it is dissolved by bacteria called Bacillus species.
Plant growth is aided by Pseudomonas species, which improve phosphorus uptake.

3. Biofertilizers that dissolve potassium:

Plant-accessible bacteria such as Frateuria aurantia solubilize potassium.

4. Mycorrhizal Biofertilizers:

Mycorrhizal fungus known as arbuscular (AMF): symbiotic relationships with plant roots, boosting resistance to stress and nutrient uptake, particularly phosphorus.

5. Cyanobacteria

Blue-green algae called anabaena are helpful in paddy fields because they fix nitrogen from the atmosphere.

6. Rhizobacteria Fostering Plant Growth (PGPR):

Plant growth-promoting compounds and plant pathogen suppression are produced by Pseudomonas fluorescents.

Methods of Application

Seed Inoculation:

Before sowing, a biofertilizer solution is applied to the seeds. Indirect interaction between the beneficial bacteria and the seed facilitates improved germination and initial growth.

Applying Soil:

During seeding or transplanting, biofertilizers are added to the soil directly or combined with it. This process improves nutrient availability by increasing the microbial population in the rhizosphere.

Dips in the Roots:

Prior to transplantation, young plants or seedlings are dipped in a suspension of biofertilizer. This guarantees that bacteria that are advantageous to the plant colonize the roots, promoting the uptake and growth of nutrients.

Spray for Folia:

Plants are sprayed with solutions containing biofertilizer. Through the stomata, this technique permits microorganisms to enter the plant and encourages nutrient intake and growth.

Enriching Compost:

In order to accelerate the decomposition process and enrich the compost with advantageous microorganisms, biofertilizers are added to compost piles. This increases the compost’s effectiveness when applied to soil.

Disadvantages of Biofertilizers

Particulars:

Many times, biofertilizers are designed specifically for certain plant species or soil types. This restricts their usefulness and adaptability to various farming systems.

Keeping and Managing:

Living microorganisms found in biofertilizers need particular storage conditions to be viable. Ineffectiveness might result from improper storage.

Gradual Release:

Because biofertilizers deliver their nutrients gradually over time, they might not be able to meet crops’ immediate nutrient needs during crucial growth stages.

Sensitivity to Environment:

Temperature, moisture content, and soil pH are examples of environmental variables that might affect how effective biofertilizers are. Adverse circumstances may lessen their effectiveness.

Understanding and Instruction:

It takes sufficient knowledge and training for farmers to apply biofertilizers efficiently. Inadequate or incorrect use may yield less than ideal results.

Prompt for Biofertilizers

• Objective: To comprehend the benefits, types, methods of application, and drawbacks of biofertilizers in modern agriculture.
• Materials needed: Details about several types of biofertilizers, application methods, and field conditions.

Procedure:

• Investigate the various forms of biofertilizers and their unique agricultural applications.
• Investigate application strategies to find the most effective ways to employ biofertilizers with various crops.
• Analyze the benefits to see how biofertilizers can help the environment, the economy, and crop output.
• Examine the drawbacks to uncover potential issues and constraints connected with biofertilizers.

Interpretation of results:

• Positive outcomes include improved soil health, higher nutrient availability, improved plant development, and lower environmental impact.
• Negative outcomes include concerns with specificity, storage and handling, sluggish nutrition release, environmental sensitivity, and the requirement for expertise and training.

Frequently Asked Question

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