Biofetilizers are the organic fertilizers which
contain living microorganisms which enhance the growth and production of the
plant. Biofertilizers are getting very popular these days in Pakistan and by
the passing minute the awareness of biofertilizer has been increased. We have
already discussed the classification of biofertilizers.
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| Vermicompost Biofertilizer |
Now, we will see what
kind of application is possible for biofertilizers; their advantages and
limitations and finally a brief at the scope of biofertilizers in Pakistan agriculture
system.
METHODS OF
BIOFERTILIZER APPLICATION
They can be used either for seed treatment or
soil application.
1.
Soil Treatment:
·
Mix both
biofertilizers in compost and leave it overnight.
·
Apply this
mixture in the soil at the time of sowing or planting.
·
In plantation
crops apply this mixture near root zone and cover with soil.
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| Soil Mixing with DAP and Biofertilizer |
2.
Seed Treatment:
·
Mix nitrogen
and phosphorus biofertilizers in water and mix thoroughly.
·
Seeds are
mixed this paste and dried in shade.
·
Sow the seeds
as soon as possible.
3.
Seedling Root Dip:
·
For vegetables
mix both N and P biofertilizers in water.
·
Dip the roots
of seedlings in this suspension for 30-40 min before transplanting.
·
For paddy make
a bed in the field and fill it with water.
·
Mix
biofertilizers in water and dip the roots of seedlings for 8-10 hrs.
ADVANTAGES
·
Harmless and
eco-friendly
·
Renewable
source of nutrients
·
Low cost
agro-input
·
Improve soil
structure and WHC
·
Enhance soil
fertility & fertilizer use efficiency
·
Increase crop
yield by 20-30%
·
No adverse
effect on plant growth and soil fertility
·
Supplement
& replace 25-30% chemical fertilizers demand
·
Stimulate
plant growth by secreting growth hormones
·
Release
anti-fungal and antibiotic substances in soil
LIMTATIONS
·
Use of
improper, less efficient strains for production
·
Requires
qualified technical persons
·
High initial
investment to production unit
·
Short shelf
life
·
Seasonal
demand for biofertilizers
·
Temperature
sensitive
·
Prone to
contamination
·
Low cell count
Status of Biofertilizers
in Pakistan
· Sustainable Agriculture is the new approach in agriculture and farming worldwide which focuses not to use chemical or synthetic fertilizers, or pesticides in agriculture and farming.
· Microbial fertilizers are considered as the alternative to the traditional chemical or inorganic fertilizers for soil and plant.
· In the past ten to fifteen years, important scientific investments have been made into the use of
microbial cultures with good economic benefits.
· New strategies
are focusing on the awareness of common farmers to its potential application in the villages and leased land and also focus to lure farmers to no health issues related to use of biofertilizers as compared to chemical compounds.
· Presently, different biofertilizers are being used for different crop in Pakistan and they are being manufactured by all leading fertilizer and seed companies while some are importing from abroad. For example, Rhizobium is being used for
legumes, associative N2 fixing and PGPR for cereals.
· Extensive
research is also being done to improve quality and efficiency of microorganisms and
reduction in production cost.
· Scientists of
Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) at NIBGE have developed a technology for large
scale and cost effective production of biofertilizers along with their
efficient delivery system to the end user - Biopower.
· NIBGE
scientists have done substantial work on BGA & Azolla, its cultivation and
effect on rice yield.
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