What is Biofertilizer?

Biofertilizers are the substance that contains microbes, which helps in promoting the growth of plants and trees by increasing the supply of essential nutrients to the plants. It comprises living organisms which include mycorrhizal fungi, blue-green algae, and bacteria. Mycorrhizal fungi preferentially withdraw minerals from organic matter for the plant whereas cyanobacteria are characterized by the property of nitrogen fixation.

Nitrogen fixation is defined as a process of converting the di-nitrogen molecules into nitrogen compounds. For instance, some bacteria convert insoluble forms of soil phosphorus into soluble forms. As a result, phosphorus will be available for plants.
Importance of Biofertilizers

Biofertilizers are important for the following reasons:

Biofertilizers improve soil texture and yield of plants.

They do not allow pathogens to flourish.

They are eco-friendly and cost-effective.

Biofertilizers protect the environment from pollutants since they are natural fertilizers.

They destroy many harmful substances present in the soil that can cause plant diseases.

Biofertilizers are proved to be effective even under semi-arid conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions on Biofertilizers
Q:What do you understand by biofertilizers?
A: Biofertilizers are substances that contain microorganisms, which when added to the soil increases the crop yield and promotes plant growth.
Q:What are the advantages of biofertilizers over chemical fertilizers?
A: Biofertilizers are cost-effective.

They reduce the risk of plant diseases

The health of the people consuming the vegetables grown by the addition of chemical fertilizers is more at risk.

Biofertilizers do not cause any type of pollution.

Q:What is the need of using biofertilizers?
A: Biofertilizers are required to restore the fertility of the soil. Prolonged use of chemical fertilizers degrades the soil and affects the crop yield. Biofertilizers, on the other hand, enhance the water holding capacity of the soil and add essential nutrients such as nitrogen, vitamins and proteins to the soil. They are the natural form of fertilizers and hence, widely used in agriculture.
Q:How do biofertilizers promote plant growth?
A: Biofertilizers utilise certain microorganisms. These microorganisms trap atmospheric nitrogen and convert it into nitrates and nitrites and make it available to the plants. They also convert insoluble phosphates into the forms required by the plants.
Q:What are the main sources of biofertilizers?
A: The main sources of biofertilizers include bacteria, cyanobacteria and fungi..