What is Biofertilizer?

Biofertilizer is a type of natural fertilizer consisting of living microorganisms that stimulate growth through the transmission of vital nutrients. It may be used on soil, seeds, or directly on the plants themselves. Biofertilizer is an all-natural, organic fertilizer option that can be used in everything from large-scale agricultural settings to green gardening at home. Usage of all types of this fertilizer is considered an environmentally-responsible way to encourage plant growth without the application of potentially harmful chemicals and substances.

In order for a plant to flourish, it needs a steady supply of nutrients and microorganisms. The levels of nutrients transmitted to the plant are unusually rich and result in foods that are free of toxic substances. The nutrients also greatly benefit the soil, aiding in fighting and preventing various soil-borne diseases.

There are several different types of biofertilizer. These include Azotobactor, which possesses a significant level of beneficial nitrogen; Blue Green Algae or Cyanobacteria, which help in both nitrogen fixation and photosynthesis; and Phospho, which holds valuable amounts of phosphorus. All of the currently available types of biofertilizer work with the earth and help build up supplies of organic substances and regulate nutrient cycles.

This variety of environmentally-friendly fertilizer holds several distinct benefits over more traditional options. Without the use of artificial elements, biofertilizer can work in a biological, natural way with a plant's innate development processes. This inspires the plant to grow much more abundantly; it is estimated that biofertilizer increases a crop up to 30 percent. Biofertilizers also enrich and restore the soil, allowing future crops to benefit as well. Furthermore, they have been known to be much more affordable than chemical fertilizers.

Biofertilizer can be used in an array of settings. While the main usage of biofertilizer lies in the area of agriculture and green gardening, it can also be utilized in the fields of cooking and construction. It has also been shown to be highly advantageous in the realm of aquaculture, or aquafarming, where it can healthfully feed massive amounts of fish being produced for consumption.

Many farmers make homemade fertilizer that qualifies as biofertilizer. A typical recipe might include rainwater, cow dung and sieved wood ash. Raw milk, molasses, and yeast will get mixed in. When mixed well and allowed to brew for a few months, this biofertilizer is ready to use on crops or garden plants.