Bio-fertilizers - 2 | Agriculture Optional Notes for UPSC PDF Download

Application of Biofertilizers to crops

Seed Treatment

• To treat seeds, mix one 200g packet of inoculant with 200 ml of rice gruel or jaggery solution.
• Combine the seeds required for one hectare with this mixture to ensure a uniform coating of inoculant on the seeds.
• Allow the treated seeds to air dry in the shade for 30 minutes.
• It's important to use the treated seeds within 24 hours.
• One packet of inoculant is sufficient to treat 10 kg of seeds.
• Rhizobium, Azospirillum, Azotobacter, and Phosphobacteria can be used for seed treatment.

Seedling Root Dip

• This method is employed for transplanted crops.
• Five packets (1.0 kg) of inoculant are needed for one hectare, and they should be mixed with 40 liters of water.
• The root portion of seedlings is immersed in the solution for 5 to 10 minutes before transplanting.
• Azospirillum is particularly used for seedling root dip, especially for rice.

Soil Treatment

• Mix 4 kg each of the recommended biofertilizers with 200 kg of compost and let the mixture sit overnight.
• Incorporate this mixture into the soil at the time of sowing or planting.

Use of VAM Biofertilizer

• Apply the inoculum 2-3 cm below the soil during sowing.
• Place the seeds or cuttings just above the VAM inoculum so that the roots come into contact with it and get infected.
• For one square meter of land, 100g of bulk inoculum is sufficient.
• Seedlings raised in polythene bags require 5-10 g of bulk inoculum for each bag.
• When planting saplings, apply VAM inoculum at a rate of 20g per seedling in each spot.
• For existing trees, 200g of inoculum is needed for each tree.

Use of Blue Green Algae (BGA)

• Apply dried algal flakes at a rate of 10 kg per hectare over standing water in rice fields.
• Do this two days after transplanting in loamy soils and six days after planting in clayey soils.
• Keep the field waterlogged for a few days immediately after algal application.
• Apply the biofertilizer for 3-4 consecutive seasons in the same field.

Use of Azolla

• For green manure, apply Azolla at a rate of 0.6-1.0 kg per square meter (6.25-10.0 t/ha) and incorporate it before transplanting rice.
• For a dual crop, apply Azolla at a rate of 100 g per square meter (1.25 t/ha) one to three days after transplanting rice and allow it to multiply for 25-30 days.
• Azolla fronds can be mixed into the soil at the time of the first weeding.

Tips to get good response to Biofertilizer application

• Effective Strain and Purity of Biofertilizer Products: Biofertilizer products must contain the right strain in sufficient quantities and should be free from unwanted microorganisms.
• Selection of Biofertilizer Combination and Expiry Date: Choose the appropriate combination of biofertilizers and make sure to use them before their expiration date.
• Follow Recommended Application Method and Timing: Adhere to the suggested method of application and apply the biofertilizers at the right time as indicated on the product label.
• Use Adequate Adhesive for Seed Treatment: When treating seeds, ensure the use of a suitable adhesive to achieve better results.
• Address Problematic Soils: If dealing with challenging soils, employ corrective measures such as pelleting seeds with lime or gypsum or adjusting soil pH using lime.
• Ensure Adequate Supply of Phosphorus and Other Nutrients: Make certain that there is a sufficient supply of phosphorus and other essential nutrients for the crops.

Precautions to take while using Biofertilizers

• Proper Storage of Biofertilizer Packets: Store biofertilizer packets in a cool and dry location, away from direct sunlight and heat.
• Selecting the Right Biofertilizer Combinations: Make sure to use the correct combinations of biofertilizers for your crops.
• Crop-Specific Use of Rhizobium: Since Rhizobium is tailored to specific crops, use it exclusively for the designated crop.
• Avoid Mixing Other Chemicals: Do not mix other chemicals with the biofertilizers.
• Ensure Information on Biofertilizer Packets: When purchasing, verify that each packet includes essential details such as product name, intended crop, manufacturer's name and address, manufacture date, expiry date, batch number, and usage instructions.
• Use Biofertilizers Before Expiry Date: It's essential to use biofertilizer packets before they expire, following the recommended method of application and only for the specified crop.
• Proper Care for Live Biofertilizers: Remember that biofertilizers are live products and need careful storage.
• Using Both Nitrogenous and Phosphatic Biofertilizers: To achieve the best outcomes, employ both nitrogenous and phosphatic biofertilizers.
• Combine Biofertilizers with Chemical Fertilizers and Organic Manures: It's crucial to use biofertilizers alongside chemical fertilizers and organic manures. Biofertilizers serve as supplements for plant nutrient needs and do not replace the requirement for fertilizers.