Importance of Use of Biofertilizers
April 15th, 2010
Biofertilizers are microorganisms that help plants to grow by increasing the quantity of nutrients. Since these fertilizers contain living microorganisms, it increases or promotes the supply of important nutrients crucial for the overall productivity of the soil. An increasing number of farmers and agriculturists are turning to the use of biofertilizers as these are gentler on the soil as against chemical fertilizers.
It is easier to fully appreciate the importance of biofertilizers when we know how harmful chemical fertilizers can get for the soil and the crop. Chemical fertilizers are meant to boost the growth of plants and increase the fertility of the soil; however they cause significant damage to the environment. These chemical based fertilizers also make use of nitrogenous fertilizers or chemicals, are expensive and not as conveniently available.
The value of biofertilizers has further increased in an increasingly eco-conscious world. Since these fertilizers are eco-friendly they can be used generously to promote healthy crops. The quality of the soil is also improved thanks to these environmentally friendly fertilizers.
Biofertilizers can be of the following types:
· Organic fertilizers
· Micorrhizae
· Phosphate solubilizing bacteria
· Algae biofertilizers
· Asymbiotic free nitrogen fixers
· Symbiotic Nitrogen fixers
One of the major benefits of using biofertilizers is their ability to symbiotically relate to the roots of plants. These living microorganisms help transform complicated organic material into basic compound, helping the plant to grow and nurture in a natural way. The effects of biofertilizers on crops and soil can be felt for a long time. The use of such fertilizers enables the soil to remain fertile and ready for increased crop productivity.
Another reason why the importance of using biofertilizers is rapidly increasing is because it helps to restore the natural habitat of the soil. In case of chemical fertilizers the soil loses its natural balance and that in turn leaves a harmful effect on the environment.
Studies on environmental science have also indicated that biofertilizers could help reduce the negative impact of global warming. Biofertilizers are gaining increasing importance for their sustainable and holistic approach to maintain the purity of the soil and enhance crop productivity.
For many years farmers were under the impression that chemical fertilizers were the answer to all their problems. However the shortcomings of such fertilizers soon surfaced, what with polluted soil, infected water basins, and loss of crucial life forms that maintain the overall ecological balance. Unlike environmentally harmful chemical fertilizers, biofertilizers work on naturally building up the resistance of the soil and the host plant by adding primary nutrients.
While chemical fertilizers are used to increase crop productivity, long-term usage could lead to weakening the roots of plants and making them easy prey to unwanted diseases. Biofertilizers, on the other hand, help the soil to remain fertile and strong.
Biological wastes are suitably used to bring out what we know as biofertilizers. Unlike chemical wastes, biological waste does not burden the environment or pollute the soil. This increases the importance of biofertilizers as an excellent means to enhance the productivity of the soil. These fertilizers contain essential nutrients that aid plants to fight diseases and remain healthy and robust.
For those looking at organic farming, biofertilizers make the perfect choice. A large number of people are realizing the value and benefit of living an eco-friendly life, and therefore the demand for organic products is ever increasing. Using biofertilizers is a great way to produce organic products and promote good health.
You will find a broad range of biofertilizers available in the market, from Vermi-Compost to Trichoderma, you have everything you need to keep the plants happy and healthy.
