The alkaline calcareous nature, high pH, salinity, heavy metals pollution, and low organic matter content of soils in many parts of the world have diminished the soil fertility and made essential nutrients unavailable to crops. To cope with the poor availability of soil nutrients, improve soil health, and feed the fast-growing global population, the farming community is using millions of tons of expensive chemical fertilizers in their fields to maintain an adequate level of nutrients for crop sustainability as well as to ensure food security. In this scenario, the exploitation of biofertilizers has become of paramount importance in the agricultural sector for their potential role in food safety and sustainable crop production. Bearing in mind the key importance of biofertilizers, this book examines the role of biofertilizers in sustainable management of soil and plant health under different conditions of the changing climate. Finally, it provides a platform for scientists and academicians all over the world to promote, share, and discuss various new issues, developments, and limitations in biofertilizers, crops, and beneficial microbes.
Salient Features
Mainly focuses on the role of biofertilizers in managing soils for improving crop and vegetable yields as a substitute for chemical fertilizers.
Highlights the valuable information for the mechanism of action, factors affecting, and limitations of biofertilizers in the wider ecosystem.
Presents a diversity of techniques used across plant science.
Designed to cater to the needs of researchers, technologists, policy makers, and undergraduates and postgraduates studying in the fields of organic agriculture, soil microbiology, soil biology, soil fertility, and fertilizers.
Author(s): Shah Fahad, Shah Saud, Fazli Wahid, Muhammad Adnan
Publisher: CRC Press
Year: 2023
Language: English
Pages: 308
City: Boca Raton
Cover
Half Title
Title Page
Copyright Page
Table of Contents
Editor Biographies
List of Contributors
Acknowledgements
1 Endophytic Microbes: Deciphering Their Role and Mechanism to Mitigate Abiotic Stresses in Plants as an Eco-Friendly Tool
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Ecology of the Microbiome
1.3 Reference Environment for Plant–microbe Interactions
1.3.1 Plant–microbe Interactions in the Rhizosphere
1.4 Role of Bacteria in Salinity Tolerance
1.5 Drought Stress
1.6 Heavy Metal Stress
1.7 Conclusion
References
2 Legacy Phosphorus: Tracking Budget, Vulnerability, and Mobility to Ensure Sustainable Management in the Agricultural System
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Phosphorus Cycle
2.3 Global Phosphorus Reserves and Geological Variations
2.4 Phosphorus Budget and Vulnerability
2.5 The Phosphorus Balance at the Farm Level and Fertilization
2.6 Factors Affecting Phosphorus Use Efficiency (PUE)
2.6.1 Role of P Source and Soil Characteristics in Mobility and Bioavailability of P to Soil
2.6.2 Soil P Transformation and Mobilization
2.6.3 Organic Matter (Animal Manure, Crop Residues, and Biochar)
2.6.4 Organic Acids (Humic Acid, Lignin, Etc.)
2.6.5 Diversity of Bio-Inoculants and Bio-Fertilizers
2.7 Bio-Fertilizers
2.8 Zeolites
2.9 Conclusion
References
3 Bio-Fertilizers for Improving Micronutrient Availability
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Bio-Fertilizers
3.3 Need for Bio-Fertilizers
3.4 Types
3.4.1 Nitrogen Fixers
3.4.1.1 Rhizobium
3.4.1.2 Azospirillum
3.4.1.3 Azotobacter
3.4.1.4 Blue Green Algae
3.4.2 Mycorrhiza
3.5 Impacts of Bio-Fertilizers On Agriculture
3.6 Applications of Bio-Fertilizers
3.6.1 Seed Treatment
3.6.2 Seedling Root Dipping
3.6.3 Soil Application
3.7 Environmental Stress and Bio-Fertilizers
3.8 Bio-Fertilizers in the Ecosystem
3.9 Advantages of Bio-Fertilizers
3.10 Disadvantages of Bio-Fertilizers
3.11 Bio-Fertilizers: A Way Towards Sustainability
3.12 Constraints in Bio-Fertilizer Technology
3.13 Bio-Fertilizer Strategies
3.14 Conclusion
References
4 Role of Plant Bio-Stimulants and Their Classification
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Major Classification of Bio-Stimulants
4.2.1 Effect of HS On Soil
4.2.2 Effect of HS On Plant Physiology
4.3 Protein Hydrolysate
4.3.1 Classification of Protein Hydrolysates (PHs)
4.3.2 Effect of Protein Hydrolysates (PHs)
4.3.2.1 Direct Effect of Protein Hydrolysates (PHs)
4.3.2.2 Indirect Effect of Protein Hydrolysates (PHs)
4.4 Seaweed Extracts
4.4.1 Application of Seaweeds
4.4.2 Microalgae
4.4.2.1 Activity of Microalgae as Bio-Stimulants
4.5 Plant-Derived Smoke
4.6 Chitin and Chitosan Derivatives
4.6.1 Chitin (CH)-Based Polymers
4.6.1.1 Chitin as a Bio-Stimulant
4.6.1.2 Bio-Stimulatory Effect of Chitin in Vegetables (Table 4.1)
4.6.2 Chitosan (CHT)-Based Polymer
4.6.2.1 Chitosan as a Bio-Stimulant
4.6.2.2 Bio-Stimulatory Effect of Chitosan in Vegetables (Table 4.2)
4.7 Beneficial Microbes as Bio-Stimulants
4.7.1 Beneficial Fungi
4.7.2 Beneficial Bacteria
4.8 Inorganic Compounds
4.9 Conclusion
References
5 Approaches for Using Bio-Fertilizers as a Substitute for Chemical Fertilizers to Improve Soil Health and Crop Yields in Pakistan
5.1 Introduction
5.1.1 Current Fertility Status of Pakistani Soils
5.2 Bio-Fertilizers
5.2.1 Types of Bio-Fertilizers
5.2.2 Phosphate-Solubilizing Microbe Bio-Fertilizers (PSBs)
5.2.3 Rhizobium Bio-Fertilizers
5.2.4 Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Bio-Fertilizers
5.2.5 Azotobacter Bio-Fertilizers
5.2.6 Azospirillum Bio-Fertilizers
5.2.7 Azolla and Blue-Green Algae Bio-Fertilizers
5.2.8 Silicon-Solubilizing Microbe Bio-Fertilizers
5.3 Bio-Fertilizer Effect On Qualitative and Quantitative Attributes: A Case Study of Cucumber
5.4 Market Characteristics Needed for the Release of Bio-Fertilizer
5.4.1 Availability
5.4.2 Solubility and Mode of Action
5.4.3 Stability of Storage
5.4.4 Effectiveness
5.5 Pakistan and Bio-Fertilizers
5.5.1 History of Bio-Fertilizers in Pakistan
5.5.2 Bio-Fertilizer Research and Development in Pakistan
5.5.3 AARI (Ayyub Agricultural Research Institute), Faisalabad
5.5.4 NIAB (Nuclear Institute of Agriculture and Biology) and NIBGE (National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering), Faisalabad
5.5.5 NARC (National Agricultural Research Centre), Islamabad
5.5.6 ISES (Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
5.5.7 NFRDF (Nature Farming Research and Development Foundation)
5.5.8 Bio-Fertilizer Study in Higher Education Institutes
5.6 Problems in Mass Production and Commercialization of Bio-Fertilizers in Pakistan
5.7 Future Scenarios and Recommendations
5.8 Conclusions
References
6 Phosphate-Mobilizing Mycorrhizal-Based Bio-Fertilizers
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Classification of Bio-Fertilizers
6.3 Importance of Bio-Fertilizers in Agriculture
6.4 Limitations of Using Bio-Fertilizers
6.5 Contribution of AMF in Nutrient Uptake
6.6 Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Mechanism for Phosphorus in Soil
6.7 Commercially Available Mycorrhizal Bio-Fertilizers
6.7.1 Oregonism XL
6.7.2 Great White
6.7.3 Myco Madness
6.7.4 Mycorrhizae (Soluble)
6.7.5 MycoStim
6.7.6 MYKOS
6.7.7 Piranha
6.7.8 Plant Success (3-1-2)
6.7.9 Root Maximizer
6.7.10 Root Rally (0-3-0)
6.7.11 Rooters
6.7.12 SubCulture-M
6.7.13 White Widow
6.7.14 ZHO
References
7 Quality Standards for Production and Marketing of Biofertilizers
7.1 Background to Biofertilizers
7.2 Types of Biofertilizers
7.3 Production Processes for Biofertilizers
7.4 Biofertilizer Production Protocols
7.5 Prevention of Contamination
7.6 Ways to Improve Production Systems
7.7 Limitations in Marketing
7.7.1 Edaphic and Environmental Conditions
7.7.2 Plant-Related Factors
7.7.3 Inoculant-Related Factors
7.8 Strategies to Improve the Marketing Process
7.9 Conclusions and Recommendations
References
8 Limitations of Using Biofertilizers as an Alternative to Chemical Fertilizers
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Advantages of Biofertilizers
8.3 Sources of Biofertilizers
8.3.1 Nitrogen-Based Biofertilizer
8.3.2 Phosphorus-Based Biofertilizer
8.3.3 Compost-Based Biofertilizer
8.4 Crop Response to Biofertilizer
8.5 Response of Soil Fertility to Biofertilizer
8.6 Limitations of Biofertilizers
8.6.1 Agri-Climatic Conditions
8.6.2 Inconsistent Nature
8.6.3 Formulation and Storage Problems
8.6.4 Nutrient Availability Constraints
8.6.5 Extension and Market Constraints
8.6.6 Farmer Awareness
8.7 Future Prospects for Biofertilizers
References
9 Phosphorus-Solubilizing Bio-Fertilizers
9.1 Introduction
9.2 Phosphorus-Solubilizing Microorganisms (PSMs)
9.3 Mechanism and Processes of Inorganic P-Solubilization By PSMs
9.3.1 Non-Specific Acid Phosphatases (NSAPs)
9.3.2 Phytases
9.3.3 PSM-Derived P Desorption From Clay Minerals
9.3.4 Siderphore Production
9.3.5 Solubilization Via Exopolysaccharides (EPS)
9.4 Factors Responsible for P-Solubilization
9.4.1 Temperature
9.4.2 Soil PH
9.4.3 Chelation
9.4.4 Mineralization
References
10 Potential Applications of Algae-Based Bio-Fertilizers
10.1 Alternative Fertilizer Sources: A Need of the Day
10.2 Introduction of Algae
10.3 Potential Applications of Algae
10.4 Application of Algae-Based Bio-Fertilizers in Agriculture
10.5 Industrial Applications of Algae
10.6 Application of Algal Bio-Fertilizer
10.7 Slow-Release Bio-Fertilizers
10.8 Cyanobacteria Nitrogen Fixation
10.9 Liquid Bio-Fertilizers
10.10 Algae-Based Bio-Fertilizers
10.10.1 Soil Fertility
10.10.2 Nitrogen Fixation
10.10.3 Production of Plant Growth Stimulants
10.10.4 Bio-Pesticidal Substances
10.10.5 Algal Toleration and Mutation
10.10.5.1 Tolerance to Extreme Environmental Conditions
10.10.5.2 Mutation of Algae for Better Bio-Fertilizers
10.10.5.3 Large-Scale Algal Growth
10.11 Formulation of Algal Bio-Fertilizers
10.12 Challenges and Measures for Commercialization
10.12.1 New Pollutant Factors Discovered in Wastewater
10.12.2 High Cost of Algal Biomass
10.12.3 Contamination of Algal Biomass
10.12.4 Water Consumption and Water Loss
10.12.5 Potential Threats of Cyanobacteria in the Environment
10.13 Conclusion
References
11 Ectomycorrhizal Fungi: Role as Bio-Fertilizers in Forestry
11.1 Introduction
11.2 Analysing the Diversity of Ectomycorrhizal Fungi in Forest Ecosystems
11.3 Selection of ECMF for Sustainable Development
11.4 Ecological Functions of ECMF
11.5 Evaluation of ECM Fungi
11.6 ECMF and Forestry
11.6.1 Applications of ECMF in Forest Nurseries
11.6.2 Application of ECMF in Forest Management
11.6.3 Role of Mycorrhizal Networks in Functioning of a Forest Ecosystem
11.6.4 Impacts of the Interaction Between CMNs and Trees
11.6.5 Services of CMNs in the Composition and Functioning of Forest Plant Communities
11.7 Conclusion
References
12 Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria/Pseudomonas as a Biofertilizer
12.1 Introduction
12.2 Rhizobacteria That Promote Plant Growth
12.2.1 Properties of Perfect PGPR
12.3 What Are Biofertilizers and How Do They Work?
12.3.1 Advantages of Biofertilizers
12.3.2 Pseudomonas as a Biofertilizer
12.4 Mechanisms of Action of the Pseudomonas Biofertilizer
12.4.1 Solubilization of Phosphate
12.4.2 Siderophore Biosynthesis
12.4.3 Production of Phytohormones
12.4.3.1 Phytohormones
12.5 Use of PGPRs as Biofertilizers: Guidelines and Precautions
12.6 Challenges in Biofertilizers
12.7 Current Challenges Due to Pseudomonas Biofertilizers
References
13 Nitrogen-Fixing Biofertilizers
13.1 Introduction
13.2 Biofertilizers: Mechanisms and Application
13.3 Quality Control and Guidelines for Biofertilizers
13.4 Major Mechanisms in Biofertilizers
13.5 Microbial Biofertilizers: Types, Applications, and Current Difficulties For Economical Rural Production
13.6 Production Innovation, Properties, and Quality Administration of Biofertilizers
13.7 Multilegume Biofertilizers
13.8 Biofertilizers in Agribusiness
13.9 Conclusion
Acknowledgment
References
14 Status of Research and Applications of Bio-Fertilizers: Global Scenario
14.1 Introduction
14.2 Using Bio-Based Products
14.3 N-Fixing Inoculants as Bio-Fertilizers
14.3.1 Bio-Fertilizers in Liquid Form
14.3.2 Bioengineered Microbes
14.3.3 Potassium-Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB)
14.3.4 Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria (Ph.SB)
14.3.5 Mycorrhiza
14.3.6 Blue-Green Algae (BGA)
14.3.7 Azolla
14.3.8 Acetobacter
14.3.9 Azospirillum
14.3.10 Herbspirillum
14.3.11 Azotobacter
14.3.12 Rhizobium
14.4 Plant and Microorganism Interaction Mechanism
14.5 Applications and Types of Bio-Fertilizers
14.6 Market For Bio-Fertilizers
14.7 Limits of Bio-Fertilizer Promotion (Table 14.1)
14.7.1 Limited Resources
14.7.2 Market Restrictions
14.7.3 Production Limitations
14.7.4 Constraints in the Field
14.7.5 Technical Limitations
14.8 Conclusion
Acknowledgment
References
15 Bio-Fertilizer Effects On Plant-Parasitic Nematodes
15.1 Introduction
15.2 Artificial Fertilizers Vs. Bio-Fertilizers Vs. Organic Fertilizers
15.3 Importance of Bio-Fertilizers
15.4 Plant-Parasitic Nematodes (PPNs)
15.5 Classification of PPNs
15.6 Attack Mechanism of PPNs
15.7 Control Strategies for PPNs
15.8 Microorganisms as Bio-Fertilizers
15.9 Fungi as Bio-Fertilizers Against PPNs
15.10 Bacteria as Bio-Fertilizers Against PPNs
15.10.1 Effects of Some Bacterial Bio-Fertilizers On the Root-Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne Incognita Infecting Some Vegetable Crops
15.10.2 Effects of Some Bacterial Bio-Fertilizers On the Citrus Nematode, Tylenchulus Semipenetrans Infesting Citrus Trees
15.10.3 Effects of Some Commercial Bio-Fertilizers and Nutrients On the Root-Knot Nematode, M. Incognita Infesting Some Field and Vegetable Crops
15.11 Conclusion
Acknowledgment
References
Index
