What are Bio-fertilizers?
Bio-fertilizers are substance containing living microorganisms that enhance plant nutrient availability and improve soil fertility naturally when applied to seeds, plant roots, or soil.
They are termed Biological Nutrient Converters as they fix atmospheric nitrogen and solubilize bound soil minerals into plant-accessible forms.
How Bio-fertilizers Work?
Bio-fertilizers operate through four main biological mechanisms: Nitrogen fixation via Rhizobium, Phosphate solubilization via PSB, Water & nutrient absorption via VAM fungus, and Crop residue decomposition.
India's Achievements & Government Schemes
Key Indian government initiatives promoting bio-fertilizers include PM-PRANAM (promoting alternative fertilizers), Liquid Bio-fertilizers, and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY).
Key Benefits of Bio-fertilizers
Benefits include soil health restoration, cost reduction for small farmers, lowered nitrate leaching, reduced national subsidy burden on urea, and long-term sustainable farming.
Bio-fertilizers vs Chemical Fertilizers
Comparison matrix showing living organism base, eco-friendliness, cost efficiency, and long-term soil health impacts.
Exam Key Points & Quick Revision
High-yield one-liner revision points tailored for UPSC & State PSC competitive exams.
Practice Questions
1Why are bio-fertilizers called 'Biological Nutrient Converters'?
2Which bacterium resides in the root nodules of legumes to perform nitrogen fixation?
3What do Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) release to dissolve insoluble soil phosphate?
4Which statement regarding VAM (Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza) is correct?
5What is the full expansion of the 'PM-PRANAM' scheme?
6What is the main feature of India's Liquid Bio-fertilizer Technology?
7The application of bio-fertilizers directly leads to a reduction in which of the following?
8Which central scheme focuses on promoting organic farming and indigenous bio-inputs?
Frequently Asked Questions
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