The Use Of Microbes As Biofertilizers

With the ongoing adverse effects of using Chemical fertilizers to both the plants, human and animal life, it has become imperative to seek an alternative to this menace. A biofertilizer is a substance which contains living microorganisms which, when applied to seed, plant surfaces, or soil, colonizes the rhizosphere or the interior of the plant and promotes growth by increasing the supply or availability of primary nutrients to the host plant. Some common agents in biofertilizers include Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Azospirillum, Phosphorus solubilising bacteria (PSB), Mycorrhizae etc. The benefits of biofertilizers have been cited as; cost-effectiveness, provides up to 25-30% of chemical fertilizer equivalent of Nitrogen, provides Phosphorous and Potassium and increases water absorption, keeping soil biologically active. Biofertilizers hold the potential to increase farmers’ current agricultural productivity, while at the same time contributing to the soil’s ability to produce more in future. This study was conducted to:

1. Assess the effects of microbes used as biofertilizers.

2. Determine the effectiveness of biofertilizers and compare the same to chemical fertilizers.

3. Determine the effectiveness of free-living microorganisms in increasing agricultural yield.

4. Determine the cost and availability of biofertilizers and their economic importance.

Key Words: Biofertilizer, Chemical fertilizer, Plants, Rhizosphere, Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Azospirillum, Phosphobacteria, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium.

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Certification…………………………………………………………………            i

Dedication…………………………………………………………………              ii

Acknowledgement…………………………………………………..…….               iii

Abstract……………………………………………………………………              iv

Table of Contents…………………………………………………………               v

INTRODUCTION………………………………………………………….…….              1

1.0  Biofertilizers………………………………….……………………..…….…..               2

1.1  Types of Biofertilizers……….……………………………………………..…               8         

1.2  Equipments Required for Biofertilizer Production…………………………….              13

1.3  Mass Production of Biofertilizers…………………………………………….                15

1.4  Application of Biofertilizers…………………………………………………..               17

1.5  The Advantages of Biofertilizers over Chemical fertilizers…………………..                19

1.6  Constraints in Biofertilizer Technology……………………………………….               20       

1.7  Economic Importance of Biofertilizer………………………………………….             21

1.8  Availability and Cost Efficient of Biofertilizers……………………………….             24

CONCLUSION…….………………………………………………………….....               24

RECOMMENDATIONS…………………………………………………………             25

REFERENCES…………………………………………………………………….            26