Balaram Sarkar¹, Barsha Sarkar¹, Shilpa Ahmed¹, Keka Sarkar² and Jatindra N. Bhakta¹
¹Department of Ecological Studies & International Centre for Ecological Engineering, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, WB, India
²Department of Microbiology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, WB, India

Part of the book: Research Advancements in Organic Farming

Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.52305/IUKH3165

Abstract

The increasing food demands of the growing population and also the necessity for an eco-friendly approach to agricultural development require specific attention to soil fertility management. Management of soil fertility demands the use of appropriate inorganic nutrients and/or organic nutrients in order to achive a higher yield of crops. The chemical fertilizer-based nutrient management of soil causes environmental and human health problems, which also leads to unsustainable agriculture. Nutrient management in promoting soil fertility and health by microbial biofertilizers is a promising technique for resolving such nutrient problems in the soil. To increase plant productivity and resource efficiency, biofertilizers have multifunctional potential and also provide environmental security and resource quality. Extensive research on biofertilizers revealed that the microbial biofertilizer has the ability to manage the soil nutrients through a variety of mechanisms (such as – biological nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization and mobilization, potassium solubilization, carbon and sulphur-oxidation, etc.), soil health, economic benefits to farmers, enhancement of sustainability and grain quality. However, a comprehensive literature regarding the role of microbial biofertilizers in the nutrient management process of soil is still needed. Therefore, the objectives of the present review were to draw an up-to-date picture of the concepts, purposes, mechanisms and efficiency of microbial biofertilizer-driven nutrient management of soil for sustainable agriculture.

Keywords: soil fertility, biofertilizers, crop production, nutrient management, sustainability

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