Commonly Used Biofertilizers

Biofertilizers are being recognized as a kind of silent revolution in agriculture. Instead of depending on costly chemical fertilizers that weaken the soil over time, farmers are discovering that biofertilizers offer a healthier, more affordable path. They not only cut down expenses but also bring life back to the soil, making farming more sustainable for the future.

The list below highlights some of the most widely adopted biofertilizers. In addition, ongoing research and farmer innovations continue to expand the range of options available.

Nitrogen-Fixing Biofertilizers

These biofertilizers contain microorganisms that convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms usable by plants, reducing dependence on chemical nitrogen fertilizers.

  • Rhizobium (Legume crops – pulses, oilseeds)
  • Azotobacter (Non-legumes – wheat, cotton, vegetables)
  • Azospirillum (Cereals, sugarcane, millets)
  • Acetobacter (Sugarcane)
  • Blue-Green Algae (BGA)  (Wetland rice cultivation)
  • Azolla (Wetland rice cultivation)

Phosphorus-Solubilizing Biofertilizers

Phosphorus is often locked in insoluble forms in soil. These microbes release organic acids and enzymes that make phosphorus available to plants.

  • Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) – (Wheat, rice, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables)
  • Phosphate-Solubilizing Fungi – (Cereals, pulses, vegetables)
  • Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza (VAM) – (Fruit trees, tea, coffee, cereals, pulses, vegetables)

Potassium & Zinc Mobilizers

These biofertilizers release essential micronutrients trapped in soil minerals.

  • Potassium Mobilizing Biofertilizer (KMB) – (Rice, wheat, maize, sugarcane, banana, potato, tomato)
  • Zinc Solubilizing Biofertilizer (ZSB) – (Rice, wheat, pulses, vegetables, oilseeds, horticultural crops)

Sulfur-oxidizing bacteria

Help in mobilizing sulfur for oilseeds.

Iron-mobilizing microbes

Improve iron availability in calcareous soils.

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR)

Multifunctional microbes that improve nutrient uptake, stress tolerance, and disease resistance.

Microbial consortia blends

customized mixes of bacteria, fungi, and algae tailored for specific crops or regions.

Liquid Consortia

  • NPK Liquid Consortia – A mixture of nitrogen-, phosphorus-, and potassium-solubilizing bacteria that collectively improve soil fertility and crop productivity. (Mixed application for cereals, pulses, vegetables, oilseeds, and plantation crops).

Why They Matter

  • Restore soil fertility by replenishing microbial diversity.
  • Reduce chemical input costs while maintaining yields.
  • Promote sustainable agriculture by regenerating soil structure and nutrient cycles.
  • Improve resilience of crops against drought and pests.

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