Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Microbes As Biofertilisers
Microbes As Biofertilisers
Microbes play a crucial role in human welfare through various applications.
One such application is the use of microbes as biofertilisers.
Biofertilisers are substances that contain living microorganisms and contribute to plant growth.
In this lecture, we will discuss the significance of microbes as biofertilisers and their impact on agriculture.
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Microbes As Biofertilisers
Types of Biofertilisers:
Nitrogen-fixing Biofertilisers
:
These biofertilisers contain nitrogen-fixing bacteria, such as Rhizobium.
Example
: Rhizobium forms association with leguminous plants and fixes atmospheric nitrogen.
Equation: N2 + 8H+ + 8e- + 16 ATP → 2NH3 + H2 + 16 ADP + 16 Pi
Phosphate-solubilising Biofertilisers
:
These biofertilisers contain microorganisms capable of solubilizing phosphate from insoluble compounds.
Example
: Bacillus megaterium secretes organic acids that solubilize phosphates.
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Microbes As Biofertilisers
Types of Biofertilisers:
Potash-mobilising Biofertilisers
:
These biofertilisers contain microorganisms that mobilize potassium for plants.
Example
: Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus solubilizes potassium from minerals.
Biofertilisers for Disease Suppression
:
Some biofertilisers contain microorganisms that can suppress plant diseases.
Example
: Trichoderma spp. can inhibit the growth of pathogenic fungi.
Growth-promoting Biofertilisers
:
These biofertilisers contain microorganisms that produce growth-promoting substances.
Example
: Azospirillum spp. produces plant growth hormones like auxins.
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Microbes As Biofertilisers
Advantages of Using Microbes as Biofertilisers:
Cost-effective
:
Biofertilisers are relatively cheaper compared to chemical fertilisers.
They can be produced at a low cost, reducing the expenses for farmers.
Environmentally friendly
:
Biofertilisers do not cause pollution or harm to the environment.
They do not release harmful chemicals into the soil or water bodies.
Enhanced soil fertility
:
Microbes in biofertilisers help improve the overall fertility of the soil.
They enhance nutrient availability, leading to increased crop productivity.
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Microbes As Biofertilisers
Advantages of Using Microbes as Biofertilisers:
Sustainable agriculture
:
Biofertilisers promote sustainable agriculture practices.
They reduce the dependency on chemical fertilisers, which can have adverse effects.
Beneficial microbial interactions
:
Biofertilisers promote beneficial interactions between plants and microbes.
These interactions contribute to the overall health of the plant and help in disease prevention.
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Microbes As Biofertilisers
Limitations of Using Microbes as Biofertilisers:
Specificity
:
Different microbes have specific functions, limiting their use to specific crops.
For example, Rhizobium biofertilisers are suitable for leguminous plants only.
Variability
:
The effectiveness of biofertilisers may vary depending on environmental conditions.
Factors like temperature, pH, and soil type can affect their performance.
Slow action
:
Biofertilisers may take some time to show their impact on plant growth.
They require time for the microbes to establish and provide benefits to the plants.
Competitiveness
:
Biofertilisers need to compete with natural soil microorganisms for nutrients and space.
The success of biofertilisers depends on their ability to outcompete other microbes.
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Microbes As Biofertilisers
Application Techniques for Biofertilisers:
Seed treatment
:
Biofertilisers can be applied to seeds before sowing.
It ensures direct contact of microbes with the developing seedling.
Root dipping
:
The roots of seedlings can be dipped in biofertiliser suspension before transplantation.
This method ensures the transfer of beneficial microbes to the new planting site.
Soil application
:
Biofertilisers can be applied directly to the soil.
It allows the microbes to colonize and establish in the rhizosphere.
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Microbes As Biofertilisers
Application Techniques for Biofertilisers:
Foliar spraying
:
Biofertiliser suspension can be sprayed on plant leaves.
This method provides a direct supply of nutrients to the plants.
Compost application
:
Biofertilisers can be added to compost piles to enhance the microbial diversity.
It helps in the decomposition process and nutrient release from organic matter.
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Microbes As Biofertilisers
Advantages of Using Microbes as Biofertilisers:
Cost-effective
: Biofertilisers are relatively cheaper compared to chemical fertilisers.
Environmentally friendly
: They do not cause pollution or harm to the environment.
Enhanced soil fertility
: Microbes in biofertilisers help improve soil fertility.
Sustainable agriculture
: They promote sustainable agriculture practices.
Beneficial microbial interactions
: Biofertilisers promote beneficial interactions between plants and microbes.
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Microbes As Biofertilisers
Limitations of Using Microbes as Biofertilisers:
Specificity
: Different microbes have specific functions, limiting their use to specific crops.
Variability
: The effectiveness of biofertilisers may vary depending on environmental conditions.
Slow action
: Biofertilisers may take some time to show their impact on plant growth.
Competitiveness
: They need to compete with other soil microorganisms for nutrients and space.
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Microbes As Biofertilisers
Application Techniques for Biofertilisers:
Seed treatment
: Biofertilisers can be applied to seeds before sowing.
Root dipping
: The roots of seedlings can be dipped in biofertiliser suspension before transplantation.
Soil application
: Biofertilisers can be applied directly to the soil.
Foliar spraying
: Biofertiliser suspension can be sprayed on plant leaves.
Compost application
: Biofertilisers can be added to compost piles to enhance microbial diversity.
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Microbes As Biofertilisers
Examples of Nitrogen-fixing Biofertilisers:
Rhizobium
: Forms association with leguminous plants (e.g., peas, beans) and fixes atmospheric nitrogen.
Azotobacter
: Fixes nitrogen non-symbiotically and can be used for non-leguminous crops.
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Microbes As Biofertilisers
Examples of Phosphate-solubilising Biofertilisers:
Bacillus megaterium
: Secretes organic acids that solubilize phosphates from insoluble compounds.
Pseudomonas fluorescens
: Has the capability to solubilize and mineralize phosphates.
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Microbes As Biofertilisers
Examples of Potash-mobilising Biofertilisers:
Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus
: Solubilizes potassium from minerals like feldspar and mica.
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Microbes As Biofertilisers
Examples of Biofertilisers for Disease Suppression:
Trichoderma spp.
: Inhibit the growth of pathogenic fungi by producing antifungal compounds.
Bacillus subtilis
: Produces antibiotics that suppress the growth of certain plant pathogens.
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Microbes As Biofertilisers
Examples of Growth-promoting Biofertilisers:
Azospirillum spp.
: Produces plant growth hormones like auxins, promoting root growth.
Pseudomonas putida
: Enhances plant growth by producing plant growth-promoting substances.
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Microbes As Biofertilisers
How to Apply Biofertilisers - Seed Treatment:
Prepare biofertiliser suspension.
Dip the seeds into the suspension for a specified period.
Air-dry the treated seeds and sow them as usual.
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Microbes As Biofertilisers
How to Apply Biofertilisers - Root Dipping:
Prepare biofertiliser suspension.
Dip the roots of seedlings into the suspension before transplantation.
Allow the roots to be in contact with the microbial solution for a specific time.
Plant the seedlings in the desired location.