Biofertilizers
Description
This book provides in-depth knowledge about history and fundamentals to advances biofertilizers, including latest reviews, challenges, and future perspectives. It covers fabrication approaches, and various types of biofertilizers and their applications in agriculture, environment, forestry and industrial sectors. Also, organic farming, quality control, quality assurance, food safety and case-studies of biofertilizers are briefly discussed. Biofertilizers' physical properties, affecting factors, impact, and industry profiles in the market are well addressed. This book is an essential guide for farmers, agrochemists, environmental engineers, scientists, students, and faculty who would like to understand the science behind the sustainable fertilizers, soil chemistry and agroecology.
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Inamuddin, PhD, is an assistant professor at the Department of Applied Chemistry, Zakir Husain College of Engineering and Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India. He has extensive research experience in analytical chemistry, materials chemistry, electrochemistry, renewable energy, and environmental science. He has worked on different research projects funded by various government agencies and universities and is the recipient of multiple awards, including the Fast Track Young Scientist Award and the Young Researcher of the Year Award for 2020, from Aligarh Muslim University. He has published almost 200 research articles in various international scientific journals, 18 book chapters, and 120 edited books with multiple well-known publishers.
Mohd Imran Ahamed, PhD, is a research associate in the Department of Chemistry, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India. He has published several research and review articles in various international scientific journals and has co-edited multiple books. His research work includes ion-exchange chromatography, wastewater treatment, and analysis, bending actuator and electrospinning.
Rajender Boddula, PhD, is currently working for the Chinese Academy of Sciences President's International Fellowship Initiative (CAS-PIFI) at the National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST, Beijing). His academic honors include multiple fellowships and scholarships, and he has published many scientific articles in international peer-reviewed journals. He is also serving as an editorial board member and a referee for several reputed international peer-reviewed journals. He has published edited books with numerous publishers and has authored over twenty book chapters.
Mashallah Rezakazemi, PhD, received his doctorate from the University of Tehran (UT) in 2015. In his first appointment, he served as associate professor in the Faculty of Chemical and Materials Engineering at Shahrood University of Technology. He has co-authored in more than 140 highly cited journal publications, conference articles and book chapters. He has received numerous major awards and grants from various funding agencies in recognition of his research. Notable among these are Khwarizmi Youth Award from the Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST), and the Outstanding Young Researcher Award in Chemical Engineering from the Academy of Sciences of Iran. He was named a top 1% most Highly Cited Researcher by Web of Science (ESI).
Content
Preface xxi
1 Biofertilizer Utilization in Forestry 1 Wendy Ying Ying Liu and Ranjetta Poobathy
1.1 Introduction 2
1.2 Mechanisms of Actions of Biofertilizers 3
1.2.1 Facilitation of N Acquisition 3
1.2.1.1 Mutualistic N2 Fixation 4
1.2.1.2 Non-Symbiotic N2 Fixation 5
1.2.2 Facilitation of P Acquisition 5
1.2.2.1 Phosphate Solubilizing Microorganisms 6
1.2.2.2 Mycorrhizas 7
1.2.3 Potassium Solubilization 8
1.2.4 Production of Siderophores 9
1.2.5 Modulation of Phytohormones 10
1.2.6 Phytoprotection 12
1.3 Factors Influencing the Outcome of Forestry-Related Biofertilizer Applications 13
1.4 Applications of Biofertilizers in Forestry 16
1.5 Conclusion and Future Prospects 18
References 20
2 Impact of Biofertilizers on Horticultural Crops 39 Clement Kiing Fook Wong and Chui-Yao Teh
2.1 Introduction 40
2.2 Microbial Strains Used in Biofertilizers 41
2.3 Impact of Biofertilizer Application on Horticultural Crops 41
2.3.1 Increased Yield and Quality of Crops 41
2.3.1.1 Vegetable Crops 44
2.3.1.2 Fruit Crops 46
2.3.1.3 Ornamental Plants 48
2.3.2 Enhanced Nutritional Content of Produce 49
2.3.2.1 Mineral-Biofortified Crops 49
2.3.2.2 Enhanced Secondary Metabolites 50
2.3.2.3 Improved Vitamin Content 51
2.3.3 Improved Tolerance Against Biotic Stress 52
2.3.3.1 Fungal and Bacterial Pathogens 52
2.3.3.2 Viral Pathogens 56
2.3.3.3 Insect Pests 58
2.3.3.4 Nematodes 61
2.3.3.5 Weeds 64
2.3.4 Improved Tolerance Against Abiotic Stress 65
2.3.4.1 Drought 66
2.3.4.2 Salinity 68
2.3.4.3 Heavy Metal 70
2.3.4.4 Cold Stress 71
2.3.4.5 Heat Stress 73
2.3.5 Improved Vegetative Propagation Efficiency 73
2.3.5.1 Propagation by Cuttings 73
2.3.5.2 Grafting 74
2.4 Future Perspectives and Challenges Ahead 75
2.5 Conclusion 79
References 79
3 N2 Fixation in Biofertilizers 105 Rekha Sharma, Sapna Nehra and Dinesh Kumar
3.1 Introduction 106
3.2 Biofertilizers 108
3.2.1 Origin 108
3.3 Biofertilizer: Transporter Constituents 108
3.4 Mechanism of Actions of Biofertilizers 109
3.5 Biochemistry of Manufacture of Biofertilizer 109
3.6 Benefits of Biofertilizer Over Biochemical Fertilizers 110
3.7 Variances Among Organic and Biofertilizer 111
3.8 Types of Biofertilizers 111
3.9 Microorganisms Utilized to Make Biofertilizer 111
3.10 Microorganism in Nitrogen Fixation 113
3.10.1 Biofertilizers: Symbiotic N-Fixers 113
3.10.2 Biofertilizers: Free Living N-Fixers 114
3.10.3 Biofertilizers: Associative Symbiotic N-Fixers 114
3.11 Phosphorus Solubilizing Microbes 115
3.12 Conclusion and Future Prospect 115
Acknowledgments 116
Abbreviations 116
References 117
4 Organic Farming by Biofertilizers 121 Anuradha and Jagvir Singh
4.1 Introduction 122
4.2 Biofertilizers 123
4.2.1 Benefits of Biofertilizers 126
4.2.2 Method of Biofertilizer Application 126
4.2.2.1 Seed Treatment 126
4.2.2.2 Seedling Treatment 127
4.2.2.3 Setts and Tuta Treatment 127
4.2.2.4 Soil Treatment 127
4.2.3 Precautions During Application of Biofertilizers 127
4.3 Classification of Biofertilizers 128
4.3.1 Nitrogen Fixer Bacteria 128
4.3.1.1 Commercial Applications 129
4.3.2 Cyanobacteria as Biofertilizers 130
4.3.2.1 Commercial Applications 130
4.3.2.2 Factors Affecting Cyanobacteria Biofertilizer 131
4.3.3 Mycorrhiza as Biofertilizers 131
4.3.3.1 Ectotrophic Mycorrhiza 132
4.3.3.2 Endotrophic Mycorrhiza 132
4.3.3.3 Changes in Mineral Compounds 133
4.3.3.4 Manure Value and Its Importance 133
4.3.4 Azolla as Biofertilizer 134
4.3.5 Vermicompost 135
4.3.5.1 Method of Vermicompost 135
4.4 Organic Farming 136
4.4.1 Objectives of Organic Farming 136
4.4.2 Benefits of Organic Farming 136
4.4.3 Benefit for Environment 137
4.4.4 Methods of Organic Farming 137
4.4.5 Techniques for Organic Farming 137
4.4.5.1 Crop Diversity 138
4.4.5.2 Soil Management 138
4.4.5.3 Weed Management 138
4.5 Traditional Agriculture vs. Organic and Inorganic Farming 139
4.5.1 Problems Created by Traditional Farming 139
4.6 Reasons for Doing Organic Farming 140
4.6.1 To Save Soil Health 140
4.6.2 To Preserve Nutrients 141
4.6.3 To Reduce the Cost of Agriculture 141
4.6.4 To Prevent Hazardous Elements in Animal Products 141
4.6.5 To Protect the Environment 141
4.6.6 Natural and Good Taste 142
4.7 Advantage of Organic Farming 142
4.7.1 Good Nutrition 142
4.7.2 Good Health 142
4.7.3 Freedom From Poison 142
4.7.4 Less Money 143
4.7.5 Great Taste 143
4.7.6 Environmental Safety 143
4.8 Disadvantages of Organic Farming 143
4.8.1 Lack of Information 143
4.8.2 Lack of Outline 143
4.8.3 Making More Money in the Beginning 144
4.9 Conclusion 144
Acknowledgement 144
References 144
5 Phosphorus Solubilizing Microorganisms 151 Rafig Gurbanov, Berkay Kalkanci, Hazel Karadag and Gizem Samgane
5.1 Phosphorus Pollution 152
5.2 Phosphate Solubilization 153
5.3 Microbial Mechanisms of Phosphate Solubilization 155
5.3.1 Organic Phosphate Solubilization 156
5.3.2 Inorganic Phosphate Solubilization 156
5.4 Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria 158
5.5 Phosphate-Solubilizing Fungi 160
5.5.1 Phosphate-Solubilizing Fungi as Plant Growth Promoters 162
5.5.2 The Methods of using Phosphate-Solubilizing Fungi in Agriculture 164
5.6 Bacteria-Fungi Consortium for Phosphate Solubilization 165
5.7 Conclusions 167
References 167
6 Exophytical and Endophytical Interactions of Plants and Microbial Activities 183 A. Mbotho, D. Selikane, J.S. Sefadi and M.J. Mochane
6.1 Introduction 184
6.2 Beneficial Interactions 185
6.2.1 Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi 186
6.2.2 Plant Growth-Promoting Microorganisms 189
6.2.3 Rhizobia 193
6.2.4 Endophytes 194
6.3 Pathogenic (Harmful) Interactions 194
6.3.1 Oomycetes 195
6.3.2 Fungi 198
6.3.3 Bacteria 199
6.3.4 Viruses 200
6.4 Conclusion 203
References 204
7 Biofertilizer Formulations 211 Sana Saif, Zeeshan Abid, Muhammad Faheem Ashiq, Muhammad Altaf and Raja Shahid Ashraf
List of Abbreviations 212
7.1 Introduction 212
7.1.1 Evolution of Biofertilizers 212
7.1.2 Biofertilizers: A Sustainable Approach 213
7.2 Biofertilizer Formulations 215
7.2.1 Selection of Strain 215
7.2.1.1 Microbial Strains 215
7.3 Types of Formulations 227
7.3.1 Carrier-Based/Powder Formulations 230
7.3.1.1 Selection of Carrier Material 230
7.3.1.2 Sterilization of Carrier 235
7.3.2 Granular Formulations 236
7.3.3 Liquid Formulations 236
7.3.3.1 Inoculant Preparation 237
7.3.3.2 Common Additives 238
7.3.4 Cell Immobilization 239
7.3.4.1 Polymer Entrapped Formulations 239
7.3.4.2 Advantages and Constrains 243
7.3.5 Fluid Bed-Dried Formulation 243
7.3.6 Mycorrhizal Formulations 244
7.4 Stickers 246
7.5 Additives 246
7.6 Packaging 246
7.7 Conclusion 247
References 247
8 Scoping the Use of Transgenic Microorganisms as Potential Biofertilizers for Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Safety 257 Vasavi Rama Karri and Nirmala Nalluri
8.1 Introduction 258
8.2 Role of Nitrogen in Plant Growth and Development 260
8.2.1 Microorganisms Involved in Nitrogen Fixation 260
8.3 Importance of Phosphorus 261
8.3.1 Microbes Involved in Phosphate Solubilization 262
8.3.2 Reducing the pH of Soil 262
8.3.3 Mineralization 263
8.3.4 Chelation 263
8.3.5 Promotion of Plant Growth by PSMs 263
8.3.6 Approach of Using PSMs as Biofertilizer and the Future Perspective 264
8.4 Significance of Potassium (K) 265
8.4.1 Microorganisms Involved in Potassium Hydrolyzation 265
8.4.2 Effect of KSB on Plant Growth and Yield 266
8.4.3 Abilities and Objections of K Solubilizing Bacteria 266
8.5 Biofertilizers Used in Agriculture 267
8.5.1 Mycorrhiza 268
8.5.2 Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) 268
8.6 Role of Biotechnology in Agricultural Sector 268
8.6.1 Development of Potent Microbial Strains Through Genetic Engineering Approach to Produce Efficient Biofertilizers 269
8.6.2 Genetically Altered Transgenic Azotobacter vinelandii as an Effective Diazotrophs Biofertilizer 270
8.6.3 Phytostimuators and Biofertilizers 271
8.6.4 Azospirillum 272
8.6.5 Generation of Genetically Modified Transgenic Azospirillum Strains With Enhanced Levels of Phytoharmone Secretion 274
8.6.6 Development of Rhizobium Strains With Increased Competitiveness by Genetic Modification 275
8.6.7 Effect of GM Rhizobial strains on Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) Fungi 278
8.6.8 Release of Genetically Manipulated Rhizobium for Field Trails 279
8.7 Conclusion 280
Acknowledgements 281
References 281
9 Biofertilizer Utilization in Agricultural Sector 293 Osikemekha Anthony Anani, Charles Oluwaseun Adetunji, Osayomwanbo Osarenotor and Inamuddin
9.1 Introduction 294
9.2 Application of Biofertilizer as Bioaugmentation Agent for Bioremediation of Heavily Polluted Soil 295
9.3 Advantages of Biofertilizer in Comparison With Synthetic Fertilizer 296
9.4 Specific Examples of a Biofertilizer for Crop Improvement in Agricultural Sector 298
9.5 Management of Biotic and Abiotic Stress 301
9.6 Combinatory Effect of Biofertilizer With Other Substance and Their Effect on Crops 303
9.7 Conclusion and Recommendation to Knowledge 305
References 306
10 Azospirillum: A Salient Source for Sustainable Agriculture 309 Rimjim Gogoi, Sukanya Baruah and Jiban Saikia
10.1 Introduction 309
10.1.1 The Genus Azospirillum 311
10.1.2 Properties of Azospirillum spp. 312
10.1.2.1 Chemotaxis 312
10.1.2.2 Aerotaxis 313
10.1.2.3 Formation of Cysts and Aggregates or Flocs 313
10.1.2.4 Survivability in Rhizosphere and Bulk Soil 314
10.1.2.5 Competition With Other Soil Microorganisms 316
10.1.2.6 Association With Plant Roots 316
10.2 Azospirillum and Induction of Stimulatory Effects for Promoting Plant Growth 318
10.3 Applications in Various Fields 320
10.4 Current Status 324
10.5 Challenges in Large-Scale Commercial Applications of Azospirillum Inoculants 327
10.6 Programs Employed for Enhanced Applications of Azospirillum Inoculants 328
10.7 Conclusion and Future Prospects 329
References 330
11 Actinomycetes: Implications and Prospects in Sustainable Agriculture 335 V. Shanthi
11.1 Introduction 336
11.2 Role in Maintaining Soil Fertility 338
11.2.1 Nitrogen Fixation 338
11.2.2 Phosphate Solubilization 340
11.2.3 Potassium Solubilization 342
11.3 Role in Maintaining Soil Ecology 342
11.4 Role as Biocontrol Agents 345
11.4.1 Production of Antibiotics 346
11.4.2 Production of Siderophores 348
11.4.3 Production of Hydrogen Cyanide 349
11.4.4 Production of Lytic Enzymes 349
11.5 Role as Plant Stress Busters 351
11.5.1 Resistance From Heavy Metal Toxicity 352
11.5.2 Resistance Against Drought/Water Deficit 354
11.5.3 Resistance Toward Salinity 355
11.6 Conclusion 355
11.7 Future Perspectives 356
References 357
12 Influence of Growth Pattern of Cyanobacterial Species on Biofertilizer Production 371 Jasti Tejaswi, Kaligotla Venkata Subrahmanya Anirudh, Lalitha Rishika Majeti, Viswanatha Chaitanya Kolluru and Rajesh K. Srivastava
12.1 Introduction 371
12.2 Habit and Habitat of Cyanobacteria 373
12.3 Morphology and Mode of Reproduction 373
12.4 Role of a Fertilizer in Plant Growth 375
12.4.1 Synthetic Fertilizers 376
12.4.2 Organic Fertilizers 377
12.4.3 Biofertilizer 377
12.5 Cyanobacteria as Biofertilizer 379
12.6 Production of Cyanobacteria 381
12.7 Methods for In Vitro Culture of Cyanobacteria 382
12.7.1 Macro- and Microelements 382
12.7.2 Temperature 383
12.7.3 Light and Cell Density 383
12.7.4 Media 383
12.8 Methods for Gene Transfer into Cyanobacteria 384
12.8.1 DNA-Mediated Transformation 385
12.8.2 Electroporation 385
12.8.3 Conjugation 386
12.8.4 Biolistic Method 386
12.9 Conclusion and Future Prospects 386
12.10 Abbreviations 387
References 388
13 Biofertilizers Application in Agriculture: A Viable Option to Chemical Fertilizers 393 Rajesh K. Srivastava
13.1 Introduction 394
13.2 Chemical Fertilizer 397
13.2.1 Customized Fertilizers 400
13.2.2 Fortified Fertilizer 400
13.3 Biofertilizers 400
13.3.1 Biocompost 403
13.3.2 Trichocard 404
13.3.3 Trichocard Production 405
13.3.4 Azotobacter 405
13.3.5 Phosphorus 406
13.3.6 Vermicompost 406
13.4 Conclusion 408
13.5 Abbreviations 408
References 408
14 Quality Control of Biofertilizers 413 Swati Agarwal, Sonu Kumari and Suphiya Khan
14.1 Introduction 413
14.2 Biofertilizer Requirement and Supply 414
14.3 Process of Biofertilizer Quality Control 416
14.4 Requirement of Quality Control 417
14.5 Standards for Biofertilizers Quality Control 419
14.6 Methods for Quality Testing 421
14.6.1 Microbiological Methods 422
14.6.2 Serological Methods 422
14.6.3 Molecular Methods 423
14.7 Conclusion 423
Acknowledgement 423
References 424
15 Biofertilizers: Characteristic Features and Applications 429 Tanushree Chakraborty and Nasim Akhtar
15.1 Introduction 430
15.2 Types of Biofertilizers 430
15.3 Characteristic Features and Applications of Biofertilizers 431
15.3.1 Cyanobacteria Biofertilizer 431
15.3.2 Actinomycetes 435
15.3.3 Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. Trifolii 436
15.3.4 Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) 436
15.3.5 Bacillus thuringiensis 437
15.3.6 Microalgae 438
15.4 Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) and Fungus (PSF) 438
15.4.1 Azotobacter 439
15.4.2 Azospirillum 440
15.4.3 Paenibacillus 440
15.4.4 Phyllosphere Associated Methylobacterium 441
15.4.5 MO Plus Biofertilizer 441
15.5 Effect of Biofertilizer on Various Plants (Experimental Design) 442
15.5.1 Azotobacter spp. (AZT) and Azospirillum spp. (AZP) on Eucalyptus grandis 442
15.5.2 Bradyrhizobium Strains and Streptomyces griseoflavus on Some Leguminous, Cereal, and Vegetable Crops 443
15.5.3 Rhizobium and Rhizobacteria on Trifolium repens 444
15.5.4 Arbuscular Mycorrhizal and Phosphate Solubilizing Fungi on Coffee Plants 445
15.5.5 Glutamicibacter halophytocola KLBMP 5180
on Tomato Seedlings 446
15.6 Screening of Microbes for Biofertilizer 447
15.6.1 Screening for Phosphate Solubilization 447
15.6.2 Screening for Potassium Solubilizing 447
15.6.3 Screening for Nitrogen-Fixing 448
15.6.4 Screening for Zinc Solubilization 448
15.6.5 Screening for Ammonia Production 448
15.6.6 Screening for Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) Production 448
15.6.7 Screening for Siderophores 448
15.6.8 Screening for Auxin Production 449
15.6.9 Screening for Gibberellic Acid Production 449
15.6.10 Screening for Production of Chitinase 449
15.7 Limitations of Biofertilizers 449
15.8 Success of Biofertilizer 450
15.9 Debottlenecking 453
15.10 Optimization of Biofertilizer 456
15.10.1 Optimization of Phosphate Solubilization 456
15.11 Concomitant of Biofertilizer 458
15.12 New Approach 458
15.13 Conclusion and Future Prospects 459
References 460
16 Fabrication Approaches for Biofertilizers 491 Andrew N. Amenaghawon, Chinedu L. Anyalewechi and Heri Septya Kusuma
16.1 Introduction 492
16.2 Biofertilizers 492
16.3 Types of Biofertilizers 493
16.3.1 Nitrogen-Fixing Biofertilizers 493
16.3.1.1 Rhizobium 494
16.3.1.2 Azospirillum 494
16.3.1.3 Azotobacter 495
16.3.2 Phosphorus-Solubilizing Biofertilizers 495
16.3.3 Phosphate-Mobilizing Biofertilizer (Mycorrhizae) 496
16.3.4 Potassium Biofertilizer 497
16.3.5 Growth-Promoting Biofertilizers 497
16.3.6 Blue-Green Algae (Cyanobacteria) 498
16.4 Preparation Approaches for Biofertilizers 499
16.4.1 Inoculant Formulation 499
16.4.2 Carriers for Biofertilizer Preparation 500
16.4.2.1 Sterilized Carriers 500
16.4.3 Carrier Form 501
16.5 Methods of Biofertilizer Formulation 501
16.5.1 Solid-Based Carrier Bioformulation 501
16.5.1.1 Peat Formulations 502
16.5.2 Liquid Inoculants Formulation 503
16.5.3 Polymer-Based Formulation 504
16.5.3.1 Alginate Formulations 504
16.5.4 Fluidized Bed Dried Formulation 504
16.5.5 Particles From Gas Saturated Solutions (PGSS) Method 505
16.5.6 Bionanoformulations 505
16.6 Application Modes for Biofertilizers 506
16.6.1 Seed Treatment 506
16.6.2 Seedling Root Dipping 506
16.6.3 Soil Application 507
16.7 Factors Affecting the Preparation of Biofertilizers 507
16.8 Beneficial Effects of Biofertilizers 508
16.9 Challenges and Limitations of Biofertilizers 509
16.10 Future Prospects 509
16.11 Conclusion 510
References 511
17 Biofertilizers From Waste 517 Rafaela Basso Sartori, Ihana Aguiar Severo, Álisson Santos de Oliveira, Paola Lasta, Leila Queiroz Zepka and Eduardo Jacob-Lopes
17.1 Introduction 518
17.2 Waste Sources 519
17.3 Technologies for Waste Treatment 521
17.3.1 Conventional Technologies 521
17.3.2 Emerging Technologies 522
17.3.2.1 Nutrients Recovery From Wastes by Microalgae 523
17.3.2.2 Overall Process Operations 526
17.4 Main Applications of Microalgae Biofertilizers 528
17.4.1 Fertility and Soil Quality 528
17.4.1.1 Nitrogen Fixation 528
17.4.1.2 Carbon Sequestration 529
17.4.1.3 Soil Organic Matter, Improvement, and Recovery 530
17.4.2 Promotion of Plant Growth, Disease, and Pest Control 531
17.4.2.1 Plant Colonization and Hormone Production 531
17.4.2.2 Disease and Pest Control 532
17.5 Conclusion and Recommendations 532
References 533
18 Biofertilizers Industry Profiles in Market 541 Kashish Gupta
18.1 Biofertilizers and Biofertilizer Technology 541
18.1.1 Benefits of Different Biofertilizers 542
18.2 Limitations in Usage of Biofertilizers 543
18.3 Biofertilizer Market Segments 544
18.4 Biofertilizers Market Drivers in India 546
18.5 Present Scenario of Biofertilizer Market 547
18.6 Key Players of Biofertilizers in Indian Market 549
18.7 Problems in Promotion of Biofertilizer 550
18.8 Popular Marketed Biofertilizers in Indian Market 553
18.9 Recent Trends in Biofertilizer: Liquid Biofertilizer 554
18.9.1 Specialties of Liquid Biofertilizer 554
18.10 Conclusion and Future Scope 555
References 556
19 Case Study on Biofertilizer Utilization in African Continents 561 Osikemekha Anthony Anani and Charles Oluwaseun Adetunji
19.1 Introduction 562
19.2 Specific Examples of Biofertilizer for Crop Improvement, Environmental Bioremediation, and Their Advantages and Challenges in Africa 563
19.3 Conclusion and Future Recommendations 570
References 570
20 Biofertilizers: Prospects and Challenges for Future 575 Tanushree Chakraborty and Nasim Akhtar
20.1 Introduction 576
20.2 Definition 579
20.2.1 Helper Bacteria 579
20.2.2 The Point of Difference 580
20.3 Advances in Biofertilizer 580
20.4 Preparation of Biofertilizer 581
20.5 The Carrier Materials 581
20.6 Production System of Biofertilizer 582
20.7 Mechanism of Growth-Promoting Activity of Biofertilizers 583
20.8 Advantages and Limitations 584
20.9 Future Aspects 584
20.10 Conclusion 585
References 586
21 Biofertilizers: Past, Present, and Future 591 Mukta Sharma and Manoj Sharma
21.1 Introduction 592
21.2 Biofertilizer: A Brief History 593
21.3 Biofertilizer Classification 594
21.4 Different Paradigms of Biofertilizers 596
21.4.1 Impregnation of Fertilizers and Fertilizer Use Efficiency 596
21.4.2 Inoculants of Mixtures of Microorganisms 597
21.4.3 Different Formulations of Inoculants 597
21.4.4 Inoculant Carrier 598
21.4.5 Biofertilizer Carriers and Liquid Formulations 599
21.4.6 Controlled Release Techniques: Encapsulation, Lyophilization, and Drying 600
21.5 Biofertilizers: Current Status 601
21.6 Biofertilizers: Future Paradigm 601
21.7 Conclusion 602
References 603
22 Algal Biofertilizer 607 Muhammad Mudassir Iqbal, Gulzar Muhammad, Muhammad Shahbaz Aslam, Muhammad Ajaz Hussain, Zahid Shafiq and Haseeba Razzaq
22.1 Introduction 608
22.2 Algae and Algal Biofertilizers 609
22.2.1 Algae is a Polyphyletic Functional Group 609
22.2.2 Multifaceted Role of Algal Biofertilizer in Sustainable Cultivation 610
22.2.3 Biostimulants From Algae 612
22.3 Techniques of Application of Algal Biofertilizer 613
22.3.1 Algal Extracts as Biofertilizer 613
22.3.2 Addition of Algal Strains and Algal Biofertilizer to Soil 619
22.4 Cultivation of Algae and Production of Algal Biofertilizer 625
22.5 Conclusion 630
References 630
Index 637
Preface
Great attention has been paid to reduce the use of conventional chemical fertilizers harming living beings through food chain supplements from the soil environment. Therefore, it is necessary to develop alternative sustainable fertilizers to enhance soil sustainability and agriculture productivity. Biofertilizers are the substance that contains microorganisms (bacteria, algae, and fungi) living or latent cells that can enrich the soil quality with nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, organic matter, etc. They area cost-effective, biodegradable, and renewable source of plant nutrients/ supplements to improve the soil-health properties. Biofertilizers emerge as an attractive alternative to chemical fertilizers and as a promising cost-effective technology for eco-friendly agriculture and a sustainable environment that holds microorganisms which enhance the soil nutrients' solubility leading a raise in its fertility and stimulate crop growth and healthy food safety.
This book provides in-depth knowledge about history and fundamentals to advances biofertilizers, including latest reviews, challenges, and future perspectives. It covers fabrication approaches and various types of biofertilizers and their applications in agriculture, environment, forestry, and industrial sectors. Also, organic farming, quality control, quality assurance, food safety, and case studies of biofertilizers are briefly discussed. Biofertilizers' physical properties, affecting factors, impact, and industry profiles in the market are well addressed. This book is an essential guide for farmers, agrochemists, environmental engineers, scientists, students, and faculty who would like to understand the science behind the sustainable fertilizers, soil chemistry, and agroecology, etc.
Chapter 1 focuses on the various action mechanisms observed in microorganisms, those that drive effective biofertilizer functions for forestry-related utilization. Besides, the chapter discusses the factors influencing the success of forestry-related biofertilizer applications as well as the current use and prospects of biofertilizers in the forestry sector.
Chapter 2 highlights the impact of applying biofertilizers on horticultural crops including the possible mechanisms, leading to improved crop growth and stress tolerance. Possible challenges of biofertilizer application and recommended solutions to these problems are also discussed to ensure the efficient use of biofertilizers in the horticulture industry.
Chapter 3 discusses various microorganisms which as act as biofertilizers and also the nitrogen-fixing bacteria including different symbiotic and asymbiotic nitrogen-fixing microbes and other substitutes for easy making of biofertilizers. The major focus is given to innovative methods, for example, growing of microorganisms, accumulation of microorganisms, and conveniences for distribution, applying, and framing of microorganisms for moving from greenhouse and laboratory to field test.
Chapter 4 highlights the usefulness of organic manure in biofarming. Various types of agrochemicals have spoiled our life, environment, and ecosystem. This chapter provides a detailed discussion about how organic manure can save the life of our earth and how it is better than agrochemicals.
Chapter 5 reviews the scientific literature on environmental phosphorus pollution and mechanisms of phosphate solubilization through intact bacteria and fungi or their enzymes. Moreover, inoculation methodologies, factors affecting the inoculum efficiency, and applications of single or multiple species as promising biofertilizer components for sustainable and ecological farming practices are summarized.
Chapter 6 reviews plant-microbe associations occurring both exo- and endophytically on different plant species. The beneficial and pathogenic outcomes of these interactions are discussed, highlighting the microorganisms and the plants involved. Furthermore, the importance of research of these interrelationships is considered concerning use in agriculture for the development of agricultural agents.
Chapter 7 discusses the different formulation technologies of biofertilizers used to mitigate the harmful effects of chemical fertilizers. The complete formulation process is discussed, highlighting the significance of each step, i.e., types of selected microbes, choice of suitable carrier, and addition of sticking materials while unifying the biofertilizer formulation.
Chapter 8 describes the scope of exploiting efficient transgenic microorganisms produced by genetic engineering strategy as potential biofertilizers to enhance the yield of crops through the sustainable farming approach. Furthermore, environment-friendly benefits of utilizing various types of microorganisms alternative to chemical fertilizers in improving soil fertility of agricultural lands are also emphasized.
Chapter 9 intends to provide detailed information on the application of biofertilizer as a sustainable biotechnological tool that could lead to an increase in agricultural production. Detailed information is provided on the modes of action of these biofertilizers while specific examples of cases where biofertilizer has been utilized for improving an increase in agricultural production are also discussed.
Chapter 10 discusses the various characteristic properties, utility, and challenges of free-living nitrogen-fixing bacteria of the genus Azospirillum as a commercial inoculant, aimed to enhance the nitrogen availability in the soil for sustainable agriculture. Mechanistic routes aiding in nitrogen fixation by the bacteria are comprehensively elaborated.
Chapter 11 discusses the beneficial role of actinomycetes in the field of sustainable agriculture. Its unique ability to mitigate soil ecosystem and to promote plant growth by producing important agro-active substances is highlighted. Also, the role of actinomycetes to serve as a potential and efficient source of biofertilizer is discussed.
Chapter 12 discusses the influence of growth conditions and other parameters including morphological patterns of cyanobacterial species, found in biofertilizer quality and nutrients richness.
Chapter 13 provides the positive influences of biofertilizers' application on agricultural sector via improving the productivity and yields of the crop. Further, it discusses the role of biofertilizers' production and promotion, with a viable option to chemical fertilizers that have minimized the productivity of the crop with negative impacts on soil, water bodies, or environment components.
Chapter 14 provides detail informationabout the necessity of quality control of biofertilizers. Quality supervision is crucial and should be achieved constantly to manage the microbial products in support of the clients. The rules applied for calculating the quality are restricted to the concentration and viability of the microbes.
Chapter 15 focuses on the significance of biofertilizers with their microbial composition having an edge over chemical fertilizers. The emphasis is on recent advances in preparation, mechanism, growth promotion, carrier materials, and production system of biofertilizers. The chapter also discusses the prospects of biofertilizers along with its advantages and limitations.
Chapter 16 provides an in-depth understanding of biofertilizers and the various approaches available for their preparation. The chapter ends with some prospects and recommendations needed for further improvements in the development, preparation, and application of biofertilizers to achieve green, cleaner, and sustainable food production.
Chapter 17 discusses the use of biofertilizers based on waste recycling as a potential substitute for chemical fertilizers. Initially, an overview of biofertilizers is presented. Furthermore, the main sources of organic waste are discussed, as well as the appropriate treatment processes. Finally, emerging technologies and the main applications of biofertilizers are presented.
Chapter 18 clearly describes the know-how of biofertilizer technology, its segments, and a brief description of the types of biofertilizer available in the market. The highlight of the chapter is the recent trend in biofertilizer technology: liquid biofertilizer, its merits over conventional fertilizers, and future potentials.
Chapter 19 discusses the current situation on the application of biofertilizer in Africa and their mechanism of action. Different types of biofertilizer that have been introduced are also highlighted. Moreover, specific examples are cited where biofertilizer has led to an increase in agricultural production.
Chapter 20 focuses on various types of biofertilizers, their properties, significance, preparation, production, uses, and outcome. It also focuses on experimental designing on screening and selection of microbes and their optimization as biofertilizers. The chapter also deals with the success of biofertilizers, their limitations, and new approaches to overcome constraints.
Chapter 21 discusses the use of microorganisms in the form of biological fertilizers. It also discusses the characteristics and features of different formulations in which the biofertilizers are used extensively. The chapter highlights the development and recent advances in biological fertilizer and its performance.
Chapter 22 covers the biodiversity of algae and biochemical constituents of algal biofertilizers with the effects on plant growth and yield. The state-of-the-art techniques for the mass cultivation of algae are also part of the discussion. This...
