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Biofertilizers: Definition, Types, Components, Importance, Advantages

Biofertilizers: Definition, Types, Components, Importance, Advantages

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 05:27 PM IST

Biofertilizers are biological preparations of effective microorganisms that accelerate the uptake of nutrients by plants, hence promoting plant development. For the soil to become fertile again, biofertilizers are necessary. Chemical fertilizers hurt crop productivity and the soil over time. While adding vital nutrients like nitrogen, vitamins, and proteins to the soil, biofertilizers improve the soil's ability to store water. Biofertilizers are one of the topics in Biology and they carry a weightage of 2% in NEET and 4% in CBSE and other Paramedical Exams.

This Story also Contains
  1. Components of Biofertilizers
  2. Types of Biofertilizers
  3. Importance of Biofertilizers
  4. Pros and Cons of using Biofertilizers
  5. Types of Questions Asked from Biofertilizers
  6. Tips, Tricks, and Strategies for Biofertilizers

Components of Biofertilizers

Biofertilizers are products that contain living microorganisms that can enhance the growth and productivity of plants. The microorganisms in biofertilizers provide nutrients to plants, increase soil fertility, and promote soil health. The main components of biofertilizers are:

Components

Explanation

Bacteria

  • Commonly used as microorganisms in biofertilizers some of the basic examples are Rhizobium azotobacter and Azospirillum.

Fungi

  • One of the common microorganisms used to enhance the nutrient absorption rate of the soil. It also helps in controlling plant diseases. Some of the common examples are Mycorrhizal fungi.

Algae

  • Microorganisms are used to control the photosynthesis of the plant which helps in fixing the atmospheric nitrogen.

Organic Matter

  • The organic matter includes compost and vermicompost which is essential for providing important nutrients to the plant. Also helps in improving the soil structure and fertility.

Enzymes

  • Provides important proteins which help in breaking down organic matter.

Vitamins and Growth Hormones

  • The vitamins and growth hormones like auxins and cytokinins are responsible for promoting plant growth and development.


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Types of Biofertilizers

The primary categories of biofertilizers are as follows:

Type of Biofertilizers

Explanation

Symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria

  • These microorganisms are responsible for forming symbiotic relationships with plants. Examples Rhizobium

Loose Association of nitrogen-fixing bacteria

  • These bacteria are associated loosely with plant roots without forming a tight bond. It is also known as rhizosphere association and forms an associated mutualism with the plant. Example: Azospirillum


Importance of Biofertilizers

Some Basic importance of Biofertilizers are discussed below:

  • Biofertilizers enhance plant growth and soil quality.

  • They prevent the spread of diseases.

  • They are economical and environmentally favourable.

  • As natural fertilizers, biofertilizers shield the environment from contaminants.

  • They remove a lot of dangerous elements from the soil that can wreak havoc on plants.

  • Even in semi-arid environments, biofertilizers are successful.

Pros and Cons of using Biofertilizers

Biofertilizers have both pros and cons. Some of the important ones are discussed below:

Pros of Biofertilizers

Cons of Biofertilizers

  • These are made using natural sources and they do not harm the involvement of plants, animals and humans in any way.

  • Bio fertilizers work slowly and textiles show the results.

  • They can be easily produced at a low cost which reduces the need for expensive fertilizers and pesticides.

  • The bio-fertilizers also have shorter shelf life which requires specific storage conditions to maintain the effectiveness of the biofertilizer.

  • It contains microorganisms that can fix atmospheric nitrogen, increase soil fertility and also give important nutrients to the soil.

  • It requires strict quality control in order to ensure a good result. Poor quality of biofertilizer can lead to bad results.


  • One of the major cons of biofertilizers is they reduce the risk of harmful chemicals going into the soil and waterways. This reduces the environmental pollution.

  • Different types of biofertilizers have unique application needs which require proper use of biofertilizers in order to increase the performance.

  • It increases plant growth and productivity which leads to improved crop yield and quality.



Types of Questions Asked from Biofertilizers

During exam preparation, different types of questions about the Biofertilizers are asked. The table below contains the different patterns of questions asked in different exams.

Exam Type

Types of Questions Asked

Weightage

CBSE

  • Characteristics of biofertilizers (definition, components, and functions).

  • Types of microorganisms used in biofertilizers (bacteria, fungi, algae).

  • Mechanisms of action of biofertilizers (how they enhance plant growth).

  • Advantages and disadvantages of using biofertilizers.

  • Applications of biofertilizers in sustainable agriculture.


4%

NEET

  • Symbiotic and associative nitrogen-fixing bacteria in biofertilizers (e.g., Rhizobium, Azospirillum).

  • The role of mycorrhizal fungi in nutrient absorption.

  • Comparison between biofertilizers and chemical fertilizers.

  • The impact of biofertilizers on soil health and crop yield.

  • Specific requirements for the effective application of biofertilizers.


2%

Paramedical

  • The environmental impact of using biofertilizers.

  • Biofertilizers' role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

  • Potential challenges in the production and application of biofertilizers.

  • Research trends and advancements in biofertilizer technology.

  • The relationship between biofertilizers and organic farming.


3%


Tips, Tricks, and Strategies for Biofertilizers

It takes effort to remember everything in a single go. We made the entire problem easy. Some of the tricks regarding Biofertilizers are given below which you can use to memorise the important points.

Components of Biofertilizers

"BFAEO: Bacteria, Fungi, Algae, Enzymes, Organic matter"

  • B: Bacteria (e.g., Rhizobium, Azospirillum) help fix nitrogen and improve soil fertility.

  • F: Fungi (e.g., mycorrhizal fungi, Trichoderma) enhance nutrient absorption and control diseases.

  • A: Algae (e.g., blue-green algae) can fix atmospheric nitrogen and improve soil health.

  • E: Enzymes assist in breaking down organic matter, making nutrients more available to plants.

  • O: Organic matter (e.g., compost) enriches the soil and supports microbial activity.

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Types of Biofertilizers

"SLA: Symbiotic, Loose Association, Algae"

  • S: Symbiotic Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria (e.g., Rhizobium) form relationships with plants to fix nitrogen.

  • L: Loose Association of Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria (e.g., Azospirillum) live near roots, aiding in nutrient uptake.

  • A: Algal Biofertilizers utilize blue-green algae to enhance soil fertility and provide nutrients.

Advantages of Biofertilizers

"CIEE: Cost-effective, Improved fertility, Eco-friendly, Enhanced yield"

  • C: Cost-effective alternatives to chemical fertilizers.

  • I: Improves soil fertility by enhancing nutrient availability.

  • E: Eco-friendly as they are made from natural sources and reduce pollution.

  • E: Enhances yield and improves crop quality.

Disadvantages of Biofertilizers

"SLQC: Slow action, Limited shelf-life, Quality control, Specific requirements"

  • S: Slow action compared to chemical fertilizers; may take longer to see results.

  • L: Limited shelf-life and specific storage conditions are required for effectiveness.

  • Q: Quality control is essential; poor quality can lead to ineffective results.

  • C: Specific requirements for applications may limit their usability in some scenarios.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are certain examples for biofertilizers?

Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Azospirillum, and blue-green algae (BGA) are examples for biofertilizers.

2. Benefits of Vermicompost on plants?

Vegetable farming and kitchen gardening have been transformed by vermicompost. Among all the fertilizers, it has produced the finest results in organic farming. Whether cultivated in containers or on raised beds, vermicompost can be used as a major fertilizer to grow a variety of fruiting, subterranean, and leafy vegetables.

3. Who can use biofertilizers?

These fertilizers can be applied to a variety of crops, including horticultural crops, vegetables, fruit trees, forest trees, medicinal, herbal, and decorative plants, as well as legumes, cash crops, cereal crops, fodder crops, oil seed crops, and horticultural crops.

4. What are the limitations of biofertilizers?

Biofertilizers work in conjunction with chemical fertilizers; they do not replace them. Only 20 to 30 percent more crops are produced as a result of using biofertilizers. Like chemical fertilizers, they do not significantly boost productivity. For particular crops, specific fertilizers are.

5. What precautions are used while using Biofertilizers?

Packets of biofertilizer must be kept in a cool, dry place away from heat and sunshine. The proper biofertilizer combinations must be employed. Rhizobium should only be used for the designated crop because it is crop-specific.

6. What are the key components of a biofertilizer?
The key components of a biofertilizer include:
7. What is the role of endophytic bacteria in biofertilizers?
Endophytic bacteria in biofertilizers:
8. What is the concept of "microbial consortia" in biofertilizers?
Microbial consortia in biofertilizers refer to carefully selected mixtures of compatible microorganisms that work synergistically. These consortia:
9. How do biofertilizers interact with soil fauna?
Biofertilizers interact with soil fauna by:
10. What is the role of molecular biology in improving biofertilizer efficiency?
Molecular biology enhances biofertilizer efficiency through:
11. How do nitrogen-fixing bacteria in biofertilizers benefit plants?
Nitrogen-fixing bacteria, such as Rhizobium and Azotobacter, convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use. They form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, particularly in legumes, where they live in root nodules. This process, called biological nitrogen fixation, provides plants with essential nitrogen for growth without the need for chemical fertilizers.
12. How do phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms improve soil fertility?
Phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms, such as certain bacteria and fungi, secrete organic acids that convert insoluble phosphates in the soil into soluble forms. This process increases the availability of phosphorus to plants, which is crucial for root development, energy transfer, and overall plant growth.
13. How do mycorrhizal fungi contribute to plant nutrition?
Mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic associations with plant roots, extending the root system's reach. They help plants absorb water and nutrients, particularly phosphorus, from a larger soil volume. In exchange, the fungi receive carbohydrates from the plant. This mutualistic relationship enhances plant growth, stress tolerance, and soil structure.
14. How do biofertilizers contribute to sustainable agriculture?
Biofertilizers contribute to sustainable agriculture by:
15. What factors affect the effectiveness of biofertilizers?
The effectiveness of biofertilizers depends on several factors:
16. What are biofertilizers and how do they differ from chemical fertilizers?
Biofertilizers are living microorganisms that enhance plant nutrition and growth when applied to seeds, plant surfaces, or soil. Unlike chemical fertilizers, which directly provide nutrients, biofertilizers work by increasing the availability of nutrients already present in the soil or by fixing atmospheric nitrogen. They are environmentally friendly and promote sustainable agriculture.
17. What are the environmental benefits of using biofertilizers?
Biofertilizers offer several environmental benefits:
18. What is the role of Azolla as a biofertilizer in rice cultivation?
Azolla is a water fern that forms a symbiotic relationship with the nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium Anabaena azollae. In rice paddies, Azolla:
19. How do biofertilizers improve soil health over time?
Biofertilizers improve soil health by:
20. How do biofertilizers enhance plant resistance to pests and diseases?
Biofertilizers enhance plant resistance to pests and diseases by:
21. What are the main types of biofertilizers?
The main types of biofertilizers include:
22. What is the difference between carrier-based and liquid biofertilizers?
Carrier-based biofertilizers use solid materials like peat or lignite to support microbial growth, while liquid biofertilizers contain suspended microorganisms in a nutrient-rich broth. Liquid formulations often have a longer shelf life, are easier to apply, and provide more uniform distribution. However, carrier-based formulations may offer better protection to microorganisms in harsh conditions.
23. What is the role of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) as biofertilizers?
Cyanobacteria, such as Nostoc and Anabaena, serve as biofertilizers by:
24. What is the concept of co-inoculation in biofertilizers?
Co-inoculation involves the simultaneous use of two or more compatible microorganisms in a biofertilizer. This approach aims to:
25. How do biofertilizers affect the microbial diversity of soil?
Biofertilizers positively affect soil microbial diversity by:
26. How do biofertilizers interact with chemical fertilizers when used together?
When used together, biofertilizers can enhance the efficiency of chemical fertilizers by:
27. What are the challenges in producing and storing biofertilizers?
Challenges in producing and storing biofertilizers include:
28. How do biofertilizers help in the reclamation of degraded soils?
Biofertilizers aid in the reclamation of degraded soils by:
29. What are the economic advantages of using biofertilizers?
Economic advantages of using biofertilizers include:
30. How do biofertilizers contribute to carbon sequestration in soil?
Biofertilizers contribute to carbon sequestration by:
31. How do biofertilizers affect the pH of soil?
Biofertilizers can affect soil pH in several ways:
32. What are the challenges in scaling up biofertilizer production?
Challenges in scaling up biofertilizer production include:
33. How do biofertilizers contribute to the concept of circular economy in agriculture?
Biofertilizers contribute to the circular economy in agriculture by:
34. How do biofertilizers affect the water-holding capacity of soil?
Biofertilizers improve soil water-holding capacity by:
35. What are the potential risks or drawbacks of using biofertilizers?
Potential risks or drawbacks of biofertilizers include:
36. How do biofertilizers contribute to the management of plant root diseases?
Biofertilizers help manage plant root diseases by:
37. How do biofertilizers affect the nutrient use efficiency of crops?
Biofertilizers improve nutrient use efficiency by:
38. What is the role of nanotechnology in enhancing biofertilizer effectiveness?
Nanotechnology enhances biofertilizer effectiveness by:
39. How do biofertilizers interact with pesticides and herbicides?
Interactions between biofertilizers and pesticides/herbicides can be complex:

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