Biofertilizer means using living organisms as fertilizer either to fix atmosphere nitrogen or to solubilize mineral nutrients like phosphorus.
The term biofertilizer is commonly used in India, while other countries prefer to use term ‘microbial inoculants’.
The microbial inoculants have attained special significance in modern agriculture.
The presence of these microorganism make the soil a living and active system. These microorganisms play a significant role in the life cycle of plants and animals through a number of processes such as decomposition, solubilization, nutrient fixation and supply of plants.
Biofertilizer also defend plants against pathogens by outcompeting pathogens for food.
Bio fertilizer doesn’t harm the soil. It is eco-friendly. Biofertilizer also do not decrease the fertility of the soil. Moreover, biofertilizer ensure the ecological stability to the soil.
The natural processes by biofertilizer are important for keeping the soil healthy. Decomposers like bacteria, fungi and arthropods break down organic wastes in the soil and from humus. Humus is the dark colored portion of the soil that is rich in nutrients.
The processes also produce hormones and anti-metabolites that promote plant growth.
In addition, biofertilizer have the capacity to hold water. It increases soil porosity by gluing soil particles together that aid in water filtration.
The advantages of biofertilizers
