DUMAPI,Jlykha K.
BTLED-2A
BIO-FERTILIZERS
- is an organic fertilizer that uses live organisms for better absorption of plant nutrients and to
enhance plant growth and development.
A. TYPES
1. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria fix the nitrogen in the air and carry symbiotic relations
with plants.
2. Phosphate mobilizing fertilizer dissolve the phosphate bond by releasing the
organic matter and lowering the pH in the surrounding.
3. Mineral solubilizing fertilizer this fertilizer’s inoculant solubilizes the insoluble zinc
compound such as zinc oxide, zinc carbonate, and zinc sulfide into a soluble form.
4. Compost bio-fertilizer
It is a mass of decomposed organic matter of plants, animal dungs, fruits, straw,
and sewage sludge along with microorganisms, earthworms, and 2% (w/w) of
nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It increase the biodiversity of soil, provide
nutrients to the crop, keep the soil moist, and suppress the other pathogenic and
parasitic organisms.
APPLICATIONS
Seed treatment
This method is effective for all types of microbial inoculants. The seed is mixed
and uniformly covered with a slurry containing the inoculation (one packed, i.e.,
200g is enough for 10 kg of seeds). Next, the seed is brought for shade drying for
about 30 minutes and then seeded in the ground within 24 hrs.
Seedling root dip
This method is applicable for transplanted plants such as vegetables, cereals,
fruits, and sugarcane. The roots of this plant are dipped in the mixer (40 liters of
water and two packets of inoculant) for 5 to 10 min and then transplanted back.
Soil application
The biofertilizer is mixed directly into the soil or combined (four packets of
inoculants blended with 20 kg of dried manure). For instance, Rhizobium is applied
for leguminous plants.
B. ROLES OF BIO-FERTILIZERS IN AGRICULTURE
As a boon for farmers, Bio-fertilizers being essential components of sustainable farming play
vital role in maintaining long term soil fertility and sustainability. Bio fertilizers would be the viable
option for farmers to increase productivity per unit area in organic farming for an era of prosperity
and clean environment.
Organic farming relies heavily on biofertilizers as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to
chemical fertilizers. Chemical fertilizers can have detrimental effects on soil health and the
environment, including soil degradation and water pollution. Biofertilizers offer a more
environmentally friendly approach by harnessing natural processes to enhance soil fertility and crop
productivity.
C. PREPARATIONS BEFORE APPLICATION
Effective use of bio-fertilizers requires the following preparations:
1. Soil Preparation: Test and adjust soil pH to create optimal conditions for microbial activity.
2. Bio-Fertilizer Selection: Choose crop-specific, high-quality bio-fertilizers and check their expiry
dates.
3. Field Preparation: Clear the field of debris and ensure adequate soil moisture.
4. Seed Treatment: Coat seeds with bio-fertilizers using a sticking agent, and avoid chemical
fungicides or pesticides.
5. Application Preparation: Dilute bio-fertilizers properly and apply during cooler parts of the day.
6. Farmer Training: Educate farmers on handling, storage, and application techniques.
D. DISADVANTAGES OF BIO-FERTILIZER
Despite the advantages, bio-fertilizer has few demerits.
- Bio-fertilizer is more efficient than chemical fertilizer, but it doesn’t substitute chemical fertilizer as
the crop productivity is less (20%-30%) with the use of bio-fertilizer when compared with the
chemical.
- Bio-fertilizer needs an aseptic environment during their manufacture. Contamination can harm its
production.
- Microbes in bio-fertilizer are light sensitive, so prolonged exposure to sunlight can kill them.
- The life span of a bio-fertilizer is six to two years, so it must be used within it.
- The specific bio-fertilizer is used for particular crops only. To take an instance, only specific
Rhizobium is used for root nodulation.
- The effectiveness of bio-fertilizer depends on the soil’s physical and chemical properties, such as
moisture, pH, temperature, organic matter, and microbes present in the soil.
E. CONSTRAINTS IN THE APPLICATION OF BIO-FERTILIZER
The application of bio-fertilizers provides significant environmental and agricultural benefits,
but certain constraints limit their effectiveness and adoption.
These include environmental factors like temperature, moisture, and soil pH; storage
challenges due to limited shelf life and specific conditions; and application difficulties, such as
incompatibility with chemical fertilizers and the need for proper handling.
Bio-fertilizers often deliver slower, crop-specific results and depend on healthy soil, which
can deter farmers seeking immediate benefits.
Awareness and accessibility remain barriers, particularly in rural areas, alongside economic
risks and initial investment costs.
Lastly, inconsistent quality and contamination risks due to poor regulation further complicate
their adoption.
