Infectious Diseases, Microbiology & Beneficial Microbes

Biofertilizers

Biofertilizers are substances containing living microorganisms that enhance plant growth by improving the availability of essential nutrients. They offer an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers by utilizing natural processes such as nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, and potassium mobilization.

• Nitrogen-Fixing Biofertilizers: These include bacteria like Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Azospirillum, and cyanobacteria, which convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia usable by plants. They are especially beneficial for leguminous crops such as soybeans, peas, and beans.
• Phosphorus-Solubilizing Biofertilizers: Containing microorganisms like Bacillus and Pseudomonas bacteria, and fungi such as Aspergillus and Penicillium, these biofertilizers solubilize insoluble phosphorus in the soil, making it available to plants. Phosphorus is crucial for plant growth and development.
• Potassium-Mobilizing Biofertilizers: These include microorganisms like Bacillus mucilaginosus and fungi like Aspergillus niger, which help mobilize potassium in the soil, enhancing its accessibility to plants.