Microbes as Biofertilisers 🌱

Biofertilisers are living helpers that boost the soil’s nutrient content instead of polluting it with chemicals. They fit perfectly with organic farming and cut down our dependence on synthetic fertilisers. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Why switch to biofertilisers? 🌍

  • Chemical fertilisers add to environmental pollution.
  • Overuse of chemicals harms helpful soil life and degrades soil health.
  • Biofertilisers enrich the soil naturally and make farming sustainable for the long run. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Main Microbial Superstars ⚡

1. Bacteria 🦠

  • Rhizobium lives inside root nodules of legumes and fixes atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into plant-usable forms. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
  • Azospirillum & Azotobacter work free in the soil and add extra nitrogen without forming nodules. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

2. Fungi (Mycorrhiza) 🍄

  • Species of Glomus team up with roots to absorb phosphorus and share it with the plant. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
  • This partnership toughens plants against root diseases, salt stress, and drought, and it speeds up overall growth. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

3. Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae) 💧

  • Anabaena, Nostoc, and Oscillatoria flourish in water-logged fields (like paddy) and fix nitrogen on their own. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
  • They also add organic matter, making the soil fluffier and richer. Farmers now buy ready-to-use cyanobacterial cultures for their fields. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Big Benefits for Plants 🌾

  • Steady nitrogen and phosphorus supply without extra chemicals.
  • Better resistance to pathogens and harsh conditions (salinity, drought). :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
  • Improved overall growth, yield, and soil structure.

High-Yield NEET Nuggets 🔥

  1. Role of Rhizobium in legume root nodules and nitrogen fixation.
  2. Free-living nitrogen-fixers Azospirillum & Azotobacter.
  3. Mycorrhizal association by Glomus and its phosphorus-sharing magic.
  4. Cyanobacteria such as Anabaena in paddy fields and their dual benefit (nitrogen + organic matter).
  5. Environmental advantage of biofertilisers over chemical fertilisers.

🌟 Happy studying, and let these tiny friends power your crops and your exams! 🌟