Abstracts |
The characteristics of biofertilizer and its role in improving soil fertility and crop productivity are discussed. Depending upon the microorganisms involved, biofertilizers can be classified as: nitrogen fixers; phosphorus and other nutrient mobilizers (e.g. vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza); composting/decomposing microorganisms; and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria. Different benefits of fertilizer use are given. In addition, the classification and morphology of Azolla and blue-green algae [cyanobacteria], their mechanisms of nitrogen fixation, inoculum production (through vegetative propagation and sporulation), methods of use and beneficial effects are discussed. Also covered are the classification, morphology and distribution, isolation and preparation, methods of use and crop response of different bacterial biofertilizers (such as Azotobacter, Azospirillum, phosphate mobilizers and solubilizers), and vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizas.. |