Bio-Fertilizers - Power of Beneficial Microorganisms

in Soils
A PROJECT REPORT IN BIOLOGY (044) SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENT FOR THE COMPLETION OF

AISSCE 2022-2023
BY
R.S.Saran Adithya
AISSCE Roll No: ………………..

Under the supervision of

Mr. S. NARESH
PGT Biology

JAIRAM PUBLIC SCHOOL

CBSE- SENIOR SECONDARY,
Chinnathirupathi (Po), Salem,
Tamilnadu.

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 JAIRAM PUBLIC SCHOOL,
CBSE- SENIOR SECONDARY,
Chinnathirupathi (Po), Salem - 636008

CERTIFICATE

This project entitled “Bio-Fertilizers - Power of Beneficial

Microorganisms in Soils”, is the investigatory project work in BIOLOGY

(044), successfully completed by Master/Miss R. S. Saran Adithya student

of class-XII, Jairam Public School, Salem, with AISSCE Roll No.

, under the supervision of Mr. S. Naresh (PGT Biology), for the partial

fulfilment of requirements for the course completion in pursuance of AISSCE

2022-23.

Teacher In-Charge Principal

Practical Examiner School Stamp

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 ACKNOWLEGEMENT

I have taken efforts in this project. However, it

would not have been possible without the kind support and
help of many individuals.

I would like to thank my Principal Sir, Mr. Paul

Francis Xavier and school for providing me with facilities
required to do my project.

I am highly indebted to my Biology Teacher, Mr. S.

Naresh, for his invaluable guidance which has sustained my
efforts in all the stages of this project work.

I would also like to thank my parents for their

continuous support and encouragement.

My thanks and appreciations also go to my fellow

classmates and to the people who have willingly helped me
out with their abilities.

R.S. Saran Adithya

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 INDEX

S.NO. CONTENT PAGE NO.

1 Certificate 2
2 Acknowledgement 3
3 Objective 5
4 Introduction 6
5 Bio-Fertilizers Used in Agriculture 7
6 Nitrogen fixing bio-fertilizers (NFB) 8
7 Phosphate solubilizing bio-fertilizer (PSB) 9
8 Phosphate mobilizing bio-fertilizers (PMB) 10

9 Plant growth promoting bio-fertilizer (PGPB) 11

10 Potassium solubilizing bio-fertilizer (KSB) 12
11 Potassium mobilizing bio-fertilizer (KMB) 13

12 Sulfur oxidizing bio-fertilizer (SOB) 14

13 Application of bio-fertilizers 15
14 Importance of biofertilizers in conservation 16
agriculture
15 Constraints in biofertilizer use 16
16 Conclusion 18
17 Bibliography 18

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 OBJECTIVE

To study about the Bio-Fertilizers- Power of Beneficial Microorganisms in Soils

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INTRODUCTION:
Some strategies increasing the quality of the soil are needed to ensure
sustainability in soil fertility. Increasing the population of beneficial
microorganisms in rhizosphere by bio-fertilizers is one of these strategies.
Biofertilizers keep the soil environment rich in all kinds of micro- and macro-
nutrients via nitrogen fixation, phosphate and potassium solubilization or
mineralization, release of plant growth regulating substances, production of
antibiotics and biodegradation of organic matter in the soil. However,
biofertilizers cannot replace chemical fertilizers, but they can reduce the
utilization of chemical fertilizers and support sustainable agricultural
systems.

IMPORTANCE IN THE AGRICULTURE OF BIO-FERTILIZERS:

Bio-fertilizers are the preparations containing live or latent cells of
efficient strains of nitrogen fixing, phosphate and some elements solubilizing,
plant growth substances producing and some soil-borne diseases preventing
micro-organisms.
The aim of bio-fertilization is to accelerate the microbial processes
which augment the availability of nutrients that can be easily assimilated by
plant and to increase the number of useful microorganisms in soil.
Bio-fertilizers are eco-friendly organic agro-inputs and provide those
benefits:
a) more cost-effective than chemical fertilizers,
b) increase nitrogen content of soil and the supply or availability of
nitrogen to leguminous,
c) increase solubility of the insoluble phosphate from organic and
inorganic phosphate sources,
d) increase soil fertility, fertilizer use efficiency and ultimately the
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 yield by 20-30 % in general,
e) secrete certain plant growth promoting substances,
f) exhibit anti-fungal activities and protect the plants from pathogenic
fungi,
g) Replace chemical nitrogen and phosphorus by 25 % and therefore
helps to environment protection, and
h) Improve phosphorus nutrition of plants.

BIO-FERTILIZERS USED IN AGRICULTURE:

The different types of bio-fertilizers used in agricultural soils:
a) Nitrogen fixing bio-fertilizers (NFB):
Examples include Rhizobium Spp., Azospirillum Spp. and
Cyanobacteria,
b) Phosphate solubilizing bio-fertilizer (PSB):
Examples include Bacillus Spp., Pseudomonas Spp. and Aspergillus
Spp.,
c) Phosphate mobilizing bio-fertilizers (PMB):
Examples are Mycorrhiza,
d) Plant growth promoting bio-fertilizer (PGPB):
Examples include Pseudomonas Spp.,
e) Potassium solubilizing bio-fertilizer (KSB):
Examples include Bacillus Spp. and Aspergillus niger,
f) Potassium mobilizing bio-fertilizer (KMB):
Examples include Bacillus Spp. and
g) Sulfur oxidizing bio-fertilizer (SOB):
Examples include Thiobacillus Spp .

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NITROGEN FIXING BIO-FERTILIZERS (NFB):
Rhizobium is the bacteria that live in symbiotic association with the
root nodules of the leguminous plants. Fixation of nitrogen cannot be done
independently. That is why rhizobium requires a plant host. Rhizobium is a
vital source of nitrogen to agricultural soils including those in arid regions.
They convert dinitrogen into ammonia. Ammonia, being toxic in nature. is
rapidly absorbed into organic compounds.

Nitrogen fixation helps in increasing soil productivity and soil fertility.

The various behavioral factors such as drought stress, nutrient deficiency,
salt stress, fertilizers, pesticides of nitrogen-fixing systems are reviewed.

Role of Rhizobium:

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PHOSPHATE SOLUBILIZING BIO-FERTILIZER (PSB):
Phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) can be used to combat the
limited availability of phosphorus to plants. These bacteria make
phosphorus accessible to plants by producing organic acids that solubilize
and mineralize inorganic and organic soil phosphates.
Phosphorus solubilizing microbes especially PSB are widely
distributed in soils, freshwater, seawater, and sediments and responsible for
the cycling of insoluble P to soluble PO 43– ion.

Role of PSB:

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PHOSPHATE MOBILIZING BIO-FERTILIZERS (PMB):
This type of biofertilizers contain mycorrhizal fungi also known as
phosphate absorbers. They are a heterogeneous taxonomic group which
inhabits the plant root system and establishes a symbiotic association with
them. Many crops are colonized with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF),
which can efficiently absorb nutrients such as phosphate from the soil.
Mycorrhizal fungi play an important role in phosphorus nutrition of
plants. Most of the phosphorus is present in the soil in fixed form, which is
unavailable to plants. Mycorrhizal fungi have the ability to solubilize the
phosphorus present in fixed form, thus making it available to plants.

Role of Mycorrhiza:

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PLANT GROWTH PROMOTING BIO-FERTILIZER (PGPB):
Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) is a group of bacteria
that can be found in the rhizosphere. The term “plant growth promoting
bacteria” refers to bacteria that colonize the roots of plants (rhizosphere)
that enhance plant growth.
They perform nutrient solubilization which facilitate nutrient
availability and thereby uptake. It improves the plant growth by advancing
the root architecture. Their activity provides several useful traits to plants
such as increased root hairs, nodules and nitrate reductase activity Beneficial
rhizobacteria have been utilized to improve water and nutrient uptake,
abiotic and biotic stress tolerance. The host plant provides the bacteria with
amino acids so they do not need to assimilate ammonia.

Role of PGPB:

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POTASSIUM SOLUBILIZING BIO-FERTILIZER (KSB):
Potassium (K) is the most abundant inorganic cation, and it is
important for ensuring optimal plant growth. K is an activator of dozens of
important enzymes, such as protein synthesis, sugar transport, N and C
metabolism, and photosynthesis.
The potassium solubilizing microorganisms (KSMs) are a rhizospheric
microorganism which solubilizes the insoluble potassium (K) to soluble forms
of K for plant growth and yield. K-solubilization is carried out by a large
number of saprophytic bacteria
KSB can dissolve silicate minerals and release K through the
production of organic and inorganic acids, acidolysis, polysaccharides,
complex lysis, chelation, and exchange reactions.

Role of KSB:

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POTASSIUM MOBILIZING BIO-FERTILIZER (KMB):
Potassium is the third key nutrient of commercial fertilizers. It helps
strengthen plants' abilities to resist disease and plays an important role in
increasing crop yields and overall quality. Potassium also protects the plant
when the weather is cold or dry, strengthening its root system and
preventing wilt.
Potassium Mobilizing Bio Fertilizers contain bacteria that are capable
of solubilizing inorganic Potassium from insoluble compounds and providing
it for plant uptake. These microorganisms are commonly known as
potassium solubilizing bacteria or potassium dissolving bacteria.

Role of KMB:

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SULFUR OXIDIZING BIO-FERTILIZER (SOB):
Sulphur is an essential nutritional element for plants, animals,
microorganisms and humans; as it is integral component of many compounds
including protein. Sulphur is metabolized into different forms with the help
of sulphur oxidizing bacteria, which use sulphur as energy producing
ingredient.
Sulfur-oxidizing bacteria are often considered one of the most
dangerous groups for the conservation of stonework (chemolithotrophic) as
they produce sulfuric acid, an inorganic acid that has a strong degrading
action through the oxidation of hydrogen sulfide, elemental sulfur, and
thiosulfates.

Role of SOB:

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APPLICATION OF BIO-FERTILIZERS:
Bio-fertilizers are produced in liquid, powder and granular forms and
applied to soil, compost, seed, seedling and plant leaves. In the application of
bio-fertilizers, the instructions and warnings on the label must be complied.
There are three ways in using biofertilizers:
a) Inoculation to seed,
b) Seedling root dip and
c) Field application.
Out of these three common applications, some liquid biofertilizers can
be sprayed to plant leaves. Applications of biofertilizers can be failure in
some circumstances.
The main reasons of this situation can be high soil fertility status,
unfavorable pH, high nitrate level, high temperature, drought, deficiency of
P, Cu, Co, Mo or presence of toxic elements and microbial fertilizer with low
quality.

IMPORTANCE OF BIOFERTILIZERS IN CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE:

The addition of biofertilizers in agriculture plays major role in
improving soil fertility, nutrient dynamics, crop residue decomposition, and
soil microbial diversity and population and ultimately enhancing the soil
health and crop yield. In addition, it helps in reducing the requirement of
chemical fertilizers during a particular crop production. On the other hand,
the AMF produced a heat-stable protein called glomalin, which is a
glycoprotein that enhances soil aggregation and helps in soil carbon
sequestration. The glomalin and mycorrhizal hyphae together lead to a
stable soil structure. The report submitted by various workers that reveals
the high potential value of the biofertilizers is summarized in the following

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points:

 Application of Rhizobium biofertilizers significantly enhanced the

agronomic yield attributes in pulse crops under temperate climatic
conditions.

 The Azospirillum application in agricultural crops improves the leaf

area index, harvest index, and yield attributes.

 It was observed that seed inoculant green gram by Rhizobium under

20 kg N + 45 kg P2O5 ha1 fertility level improved the grain and straw
yield.

 The positive effect of Azotobacter chroococcum was observed in maize

crop; the significant yield improved in biofertilizer-treated plots
compared to control. Such type of effect also observed in wheat crop
when it was inoculated with A. chroococcum.

 The biofertilizers enhanced the soil enzyme activities in soil; alkaline

phosphatase activity was greater in Azotobacter chroococcum + P
fertilizer compared to control in peach roots.
Effectiveness of Biofertilizers:
They are environmentally sound, pollution free and of low cost. They
increase crop yield up to 10-40% and fix nitrogen up to 40-50 Kg. After using
3-4 years continuously, there is no need of application of biofertilizers
because parental inoculums are sufficient for growth and multiplication.
They improve soil texture, pH, and other properties of soil. They produce
plant growth promoting substances e.g., IAA amino acids, vitamins etc.

CONSTRAINTS IN BIOFERTILIZER USE:

The main constraints of biofertilizers are poor availability of carrier; it
affected the shelf life.

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 Most of the chemical fertilizers give the quick response compared to
biofertilizers. It affected the marketing of biofertilizers and showing poor
awareness among the farmers.
Poor storage management reduced the viable strains in biofertilizers,
and the farmers felt quality assurance prior to application.
Application and storage need sophisticated instruments and skilled
man power to protect the viability of biofertilizer from adverse climatic
factors.
It needs initially high cost of investment.
One of the major limitations of biofertilizers is mutation during
fermentation.
Poor awareness among the farmers leads to poor resource generation
by the industries.

PRECAUTIONS:
 They are living organism hence; handling should be careful.
 Biofertilizers should be used before expiry date.
 They are species specific hence, particular biofertilizer should be used
for a particular crop plant.
 Recommended dose of biofertilizer should be applied.
 They should not be exposed to direct sunlight.

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CONCLUSION:
Biofertilizers are the basic inputs of nutrients for sustainable and
organic farming. Microbial strain which has more plant growth-promoting
rhizobacteria (PGPR) activities should be isolated from different
agroecological zones and commercialized. Liquid biofertilizers are more
superior than the carrier-based biofertilizers. Therefore, we encourage the
production of liquid biofertilizers. There is only 0.1% PGPR strains are
formulated as commercialized till date which shows that very less work has
been done in the field of formulation of microbial strains for biofertilizers.
Many scientists worked very well on paper and published in highly reputed
journals. But farmers are not benefited yet because formulation work has not
been carried forward. The demand for biofertilizers is very high but
production is limited. So, we should work in the field of microbial
formulation to develop biofertilizers according to ecological zones to provide
chemical-free food product for human beings.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

1. Biology text book, NCERT

2. www.wikipedia.com

3. www.google/images.com

4. www. slideshare.net

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