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How do biofertilizers work? 


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Biofertilizers work by utilizing microorganisms to enhance soil fertility and promote plant growth. These organic substances provide nutrients through natural processes such as nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, and plant growth-inducing chemical synthesis . Beneficial soil microorganisms convert complex organic or unabsorbable forms of nutrients into inorganic and absorbable forms, making them available to plants . Biofertilizers, including cyanobacteria, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), actinomycetes, ectomycorrhizae, and endomycorrhizae, play a crucial role in increasing crop productivity by biological nitrogen fixation, nutrient solubilization, and stimulation of plant growth . These microorganisms establish symbiotic or asymbiotic relationships with plants, increasing the primary nutrient supply and retaining soil fertility . Biofertilizers also enhance nutrient acquisition by fixing atmospheric nitrogen, solubilizing soil phosphorus, and stimulating plant growth . The formulation of biofertilizers involves mixing a suitable carrier with the inoculant and ensuring survival and establishment after introduction into soils .

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Book ChapterDOI
Prabhjot Kaur Maan, Seema Garcha 
01 Jan 2021
2 Citations
Biofertilizers work by improving nutrient acquisition in plants through processes such as fixing atmospheric nitrogen, solubilizing soil phosphorus, and stimulating plant growth.
Biofertilizers work by establishing symbiotic or asymbiotic relationships with plants, providing primary nutrients and retaining soil fertility.
Biofertilizers work by utilizing microorganisms to enhance soil fertility through processes like nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, and plant growth-inducing chemical synthesis.
Biofertilizers work by increasing crop productivity through biological nitrogen fixation, nutrient solubilization, and stimulation of plant growth. They also reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and have positive effects on soil fertility.
Biofertilizers work by utilizing beneficial soil microorganisms to convert organic nutrients into inorganic and absorbable forms, increasing soil fertility and providing nutrient elements to plants.

Related Questions

What are the benefits of using biofertilizers?5 answersBiofertilizers offer several benefits in agriculture. They are organic substances that utilize microorganisms to enhance soil fertility and crop quality. By providing nutrients through natural processes like nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, and plant growth-inducing chemical synthesis, biofertilizers help safeguard soil health and the environment. They can stimulate plant growth, nodulation, and nitrogen fixation when multiple microorganisms are used together. Additionally, some microorganisms act as effective biocontrol systems, while others can survive in various environments, providing continuous nutrient availability from natural sources. The use of biofertilizers can reduce the imbalanced use and high cost of chemical fertilizers, making agriculture more sustainable. Furthermore, biofertilizers can enhance plant nutrient uptake, improve soil health, and increase the growth and yield of crops, making them beneficial for both humans and the environment.
What are the effects of biofertilizers on the growth in soil?4 answersBiofertilizers have positive effects on soil growth and fertility. They can improve soil pH and increase the availability of nutrients such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Biofertilizers, specifically plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) or rhizobacteria (PGPR), have emerged as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. They play a role in nutrient cycling, stress alleviation, hormone synthesis, and soil bioremediation. Nano-biofertilizers, synthesized from microbes and plants, have also shown promise in enhancing soil quality and crop protection during abiotic and biotic stress conditions. Additionally, biofertilizers can increase plant growth and microbial activity, leading to improved crop yields in marginal soils. Overall, biofertilizers offer a sustainable approach to enhancing soil fertility and promoting agricultural productivity.
How can yeast be used to produce biofertilizer?5 answersYeast can be used to produce biofertilizer through various mechanisms. Yeasts have the ability to provide soluble nutrients to plants, produce organic acids and phytohormones, and act as biocontrol agents against fungi, insects, and weeds. They can also act as soil bioremediating agents and protect plants against extreme environmental factors. Yeasts offer a range of benefits that can be utilized in the creation of quality biofertilizers and biopesticides, making them a promising solution for sustainable agriculture. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a type of yeast, has been shown to promote the growth of organic tomato seedlings and increase chlorophyll content in leaves. Yeast-based ecological fertilizers, prepared from yeast residue, have long-lasting and stable effects in soil, improve plant health and yield, and prevent excessive absorption of trace elements. Brewers' yeast, a waste product of the brewing industry, has been found to be a cost-effective biofertilizer that enhances plant nutrition and vigor during the early growth phase. The combination of Candida yeast, Azotobacter bacteria, and Bacillus as biofertilizer has shown positive effects on mustard plant growth.
What are the benefits of using microbial biofertilizer?3 answersStep 1: Answer without citation Microbial biofertilizers offer several benefits, including enhanced nutrient availability, nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, phytohormone regulation, and acting as biocontrol agents. They also contribute to improving soil quality, boosting agricultural output, and promoting sustainable agriculture. Step 3: Answer with citation Microbial biofertilizers offer several benefits, including enhanced nutrient availability, nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, phytohormone regulation, and acting as biocontrol agents. They also contribute to improving soil quality, boosting agricultural output, and promoting sustainable agriculture.
What are biofertilizers?4 answersBiofertilizers are organic substances that utilize microorganisms to enhance soil fertility and support crop growth. They provide nutrients through natural processes such as nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, and plant growth-inducing chemical synthesis. Important microorganisms used in biofertilizer production include Azotobacter, Azospirillum, Phosphobacter, and Rhizobacter. Biofertilizers can be used as alternatives to agrochemicals, which have negative impacts on the environment and non-target organisms. They have proven effective in improving soil fertility, nutrient mobilization, and weed control. Spore-forming microorganisms (SFM) are a type of biofertilizer that can promote plant growth and improve plant health. SFM, such as Bacillus and Penicillium species, have been found to enhance the growth of rice and improve crop production. However, biofertilizers have a relatively short shelf life, and research is being conducted to develop solid carrier formulations that can maintain microbial viability and effectiveness during storage. Overall, biofertilizers are environmentally friendly inoculants that provide nutrients and promote plant growth, making them a smart approach for sustainable agriculture.
What are the benefits of using biostimulants and biofertilizers?5 answersBiostimulants and biofertilizers offer several benefits in agriculture. They help convert organic nutrients into absorbable forms, increasing soil fertility and crop productivity. Biostimulants, derived from living organisms, enhance plant growth, development, and resistance to stress conditions, leading to improved yield, quality, and nutrient uptake in crops. Biofertilizers, such as microbial inoculants, act as natural alternatives to chemical fertilizers, promoting plant growth, controlling pests, diseases, and weeds, and improving crop health and productivity. Additionally, biostimulants and biofertilizers contribute to sustainable agriculture by reducing the negative environmental impacts associated with chemical inputs. The use of biostimulants and biofertilizers has gained acceptance over the years, supported by scientific research demonstrating their efficacy and positive effects on crop management, growth, health, yield, and quality. Overall, these natural products offer a renewable, sustainable, and eco-friendly approach to enhance agricultural productivity and meet the increasing demands for food production.