Biofertilizer

Blue-green algae cultured in specific media. Blue-green algae can be helpful in agriculture as they have the capability to fix atmospheric nitrogen to soil. This nitrogen is helpful to the crops. Blue-green algae is used as a biofertilizer.

A biofertilizer is a substance which contains living micro-organisms which, when applied to seeds, plant surfaces, or soil, colonize the rhizosphere or the interior of the plant and promotes growth by increasing the supply or availability of primary nutrients to the host plant.[1] Biofertilizers add nutrients through the natural processes of nitrogen fixation, solubilizing phosphorus, and stimulating plant growth through the synthesis of growth-promoting substances. The micro-organisms in biofertilizers restore the soil's natural nutrient cycle and build soil organic matter. Through the use of biofertilizers, healthy plants can be grown, while enhancing the sustainability and the health of the soil. Biofertilizers can be expected to reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, but they are not yet able to replace their use. As of 2024, more than 340 biofertilizer products have been approved for commercial use in the US.[2]

  1. ^ Vessey, J. Kevin (2003). "Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria as biofertilizers". Plant and Soil. 255 (2): 571–586. doi:10.1023/A:1026037216893. S2CID 37031212.
  2. ^ "Microbe-containing Products Advertised to Enhance Crop Growth | Vegetable Production Systems Laboratory". u.osu.edu. Retrieved 2024-08-02.