Abstract

BIOFERTILIZER PRODUCTION FROM AGRO - WASTES

Vidhya Devi and Dr. V. Judia Harriet Sumathy*

Abstract

A Bio fertilizer is a substance which contains living microorganisms which, when applied to seeds, plant surfaces, or soil, colonize the rhizosphere or the interior of the plant and promotes growth by increasing the supply or availability of primary nutrients to the host plant. Bio-fertilizers add nutrients through the natural processes of nitrogen fixation, solubilizing phosphorus and stimulating plant growth through the synthesis of growth-promoting substances. Bio-fertilizers can be expected to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The microorganisms in bio-fertilizers restore the soil's natural nutrient cycle and build soil organic matter. Through the use of bio-fertilizers, healthy plants can be grown, while enhancing the sustainability and the health of the soil. Since they play several roles, a preferred scientific term for such beneficial bacteria is "plant-growth promoting rhizobacteria" (PGPR). Therefore, they are extremely advantageous in enriching soil fertility and fulfilling plant nutrient requirements by supplying the organic nutrients through microorganism and their byproducts. Hence, bio-fertilizers are much preferred over other Fertilizers as they do not contain any chemicals which are harmful to the living soil. The present study is focused on producing Biofertilizer from Agro – wastes using Solid State Fermentation (SSF).

Keywords: Biofertilizer, Microorganisms, Rhizobacteria, Agro - wastes and Solid State Fermentation.