Role of Bacteria in Biofertilizer production

Nitrogen fixation and soil fertility:- Certain bacteria are helpful in the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen. Azotobacter and Clostridium are present in the soil and help in nitrogen fixation. Species of Rhizobium bacteria are present in the root nodules of leguminous plants, and they increase the soil’s nitrogen content by fixing up atmospheric nitrogen. The process is known as symbiotic nitrogen fixation.

> Organic farming is increasing the production of pollutant-free crops. It involves the use of biofertilizers and biopesticides which increases the nutrient quality of the crop and controls any kind of pest and pathogen.

> Biofertilizers are microorganisms that add to the nutrient quality of the soil. Bacteria, fungi, and algae are some of the beneficial microorganisms that help in improving the fertility of the soil.

> Biofertilizers are classified as:

i. Free-living nitrogen-fixing bacteria like Azotobacter, and Rhodospirillum.

ii. Free-living nitrogen-fixing Cyanobacteria like Anabaena, and Nostoc.

iii. Loose association of nitrogen-fixing bacteria like Azospirillum.

iv. Symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria like Rhizobium, and Frankia

Bacteria As Biofertilizers:- The following microorganisms are used as biofertilizers:

1. Rhizobium:- They form root nodules in leguminous plants and fix the atmospheric nitrogen into an organic form. Rhizobium also has no negative effect on soil quality and improves the quality, nutrient content, and growth of the plant.

2. Azotobacter:- These are free-living nitrogen fixers found in all types of upland crops. These not only fix nitrogen but also provide certain antibiotics and growth substances to the plant.

3. Azospirillum:- Unlike Azotobacter, these can be used in wetland areas. They are found inside the roots of the plant (non-free-living) where they fix the atmospheric nitrogen.