Biofertilizer
Biofertilizer
Biofertilizer (pronunciation: /ˌbaɪoʊˈfɜːrtɪlaɪzər/) is a substance which contains living microorganisms 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.
Etymology
The term "Biofertilizer" is derived from the Greek word "bios" meaning life and the English word "fertilizer" which refers to a substance that is added to soil to increase its fertility.
Types of Biofertilizers
There are several types of biofertilizers, each with their own unique properties and benefits. These include:
- Nitrogen Biofertilizers: These are microorganisms that can fix atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use. Examples include Rhizobium, Azotobacter, and Azospirillum.
- Phosphorus Biofertilizers: These are microorganisms that can solubilize and mobilize phosphorus in the soil, making it available to plants. Examples include Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and Aspergillus.
- Potassium Biofertilizers: These are microorganisms that can solubilize and mobilize potassium in the soil, making it available to plants. Examples include Bacillus and Frateuria.
Benefits of Biofertilizers
Biofertilizers offer several benefits over traditional chemical fertilizers. These include:
- They are environmentally friendly and do not cause pollution.
- They improve the fertility of the soil by fixing atmospheric nitrogen and solubilizing phosphorus and potassium.
- They stimulate plant growth by producing plant growth-promoting substances.
- They improve the health of the plant by providing resistance to diseases.
Related Terms
- Rhizosphere
- Microorganism
- Nitrogen Fixation
- Phosphorus Solubilization
- Potassium Solubilization
- Plant Growth-Promoting Substances
- Disease Resistance
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