ABSTRACT
Agriculture farming relies on the use of chemical fertilizers in order to increase crop production for fulfilling the requirements of the ever growing population. Whereas it is also proved that use of chemical fertilizers and other pesticides has caused tremendous harm to the environment by pollution and contamination in water and soil.Therefore, increase in the population, environmental pollution, contamination in water and soil is the major concern in today’s world and there is a reason to search for alternative methods for increasing plant production in an ecofriendly manner, the adequate management of natural, renewable resources and the reduction in use of chemical fertilizers. No doubt, all chemical fertilizers support plant growth and development, which results in higher production, hence are beneficial if used judiciously; but it is also a fact that biofertilizers are totally safe and their use is increasing in most countries
BIOFERTILIZERS 12 because of their environmentally friendly fertilizer property. Biofertilizers are 100% natural and enrich the nutrient quality of soil. Biofertilizers are organisms that help to provide and keep in the soil the nutrients and microorganisms required for the benefit of the plants. The bacteria, fungi and blue green algae (Cyanobacteria) are the main sources of biofertilizers. Symbiosis of these organisms with plants is the most striking relationship in which they derive benefits from each other. The disease causing organisms (pathogenic bacteria, fungi, etc.) are different from the non-pathogenic and are used in biofertilizers. The biofertilizer is a natural organic fertilizer known which helps to provide all the nutrients required by the plants and helps to increase the quality of the soil with natural microorganisms present in environment. Biofertilizers contain a wide range of naturally chelated plant nutrients and trace elements, carbohydrates, amino acids and other growth promoting substances. Biofertilizers act as a soil conditioner by simulating microbial activity in the soil which results in improved air-water relationships in soil, improved fertility and makes soil less prone to compaction and erosion. Organic growers who use biofertilizers in their regular fertility programme report increases in yield, quality, shelf-life and resistance to environmental stresses such as drought, extreme heat, early frost, pests and disease problem. Biofertilizers feed plants
while adding organic material to the soil. Soils with lots of organic water remain loose and airy, hold more moisture and nutrients, foster growth of soil organisms and promote healthier plant root development. The biofertilizer is a large population of a specific or a group of beneficial microorganisms for enhancing the productivity of soil either by fixing atmospheric nitrogen or by solubilizing soil phosphorus or by stimulating plant growth through synthesis of growth promoting substances. Biofertilizers based on renewable energy source are costeffective supplements to chemical fertilizers; eco-friendly and can help to economize on the high investment needed for chemical fertilizer use as far as nitrogen and phosphorus are concerned. If only chemicals are added, the soil gradually loses its organic matter and microbiotic activity. As organic matter is used up, the soil structure deteriorates, becoming compact, lifeless and less able to hold water nutrients. This results in increased amounts of chemical fertilizers needed to feed plants. The biofertilizer is a premium natural fertilizer. This organic fertilizer is unequated in its ability to nourish the beneficial microorganisms in the soil greatly, increasing the soil’s humus content and improving its ability to sustain and nurture healthy, more colourful plants. When planting individual plants, broadcast and mix it deeply into the soil, when planting flower beds or spread it around established plants and scratch it into the soil. It is also excellent for use in vegetable gardens, container plantings and as a compost-pile activator. Biofertliizers are the most advanced biotechnology necessary to support developing green agriculture and non-pollution agriculture. This bio-organic fertilizer can increase the output, improve the quality and is responsible for agriculture environment. Today, it has been widely used with excellent results in all kinds of plants in several countries.
