Bio-fertilizers are selected strains of beneficial soil micro-organisms cultured in the laboratory and packed in a suitable carrier.
They can be used either for seed treatment or soil application. They are low cost, renewable sources of plant nutrients which supplement chemical fertilizers.
Added importance
In rainfed agriculture, these inputs gain added importance in view of their low cost, as most of the farmers are small and marginal and can not afford to buy expensive chemical fertilizers from the market.
Biofertilizers are also ideal input for reducing the cost of cultivation and for practising organic farming.
Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Acetobactor diazotrophicus, Azospirillum, Blue green Algae (BGA), Azolla Phosphate solubilizing / mobilizing biofertilizers (PSB), Vesicular-arbascular mycorrhizae inoculant (VA) and Frankia are some well known bio inputs.
Usage tips
Bio-fertilisers are live product, store in cool and dry place away from direct sunlight and heat.
Use right combination of bio-fertilisers. For example Rhizobium is is crop specific, so use it for specified crop. Do not mix with chemicals.
For best results use both nitrogenous and phosphatic bio-fertilisers.
While purchasing ensure that each packet is provided with necessary information like name of the product, name of the crop for which intended, name and address of the manufacturer, date of manufacture, date of expiry, batch number and instructions for use.
Use the packet before expiry, only on the specified crop, by the recommended method.
Easy application
Application of compost, bio-compost, bio-pesticides and bio-fertilizers are getting more attention and are also easy to carry & apply.
These organic based inputs are getting more attention as the more health aware public is also switching towards organic grown foods for a healthy and better life.
The authors work in the Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka
