Abstract
The global population is increasing, imposing challenges to the horticultural sector across the length and breadth of the planet. In order to meet out the needs of this growing population, a dire need has arisen to make efforts so as to put the production on the same page. The extensive utilization of synthetic fertilizers all around the globe has imposed detrimental impacts on environment, plant, and animal health; besides it has deprived soil from organic matter. Therefore, it is high time to switch to other modes of fertigation. One of the alternatives is to utilize the microbial capabilities to be used as biofertilizers. Biofertilizers appended by the living microbes inhabit the roots endogenously, thereby boosting the delivery of nutrients to the crops, once put into operation with seeds, plant surfaces, or soils. They help in germination and plant development and increase fertility status of soils. They revive the minerals and organic matter in soils. They advance health status of soil as well as help plants in fighting infection by suppressing disease pathogens. Additionally, biofertilizers have a significant role in bioremediating heavy metals and pesticides by detoxifying them. They are more thrifty when compared to synthetic fertilizers and hence accessible to planters and farmers with much ease. They are eco-friendly, safer, and best alternatives to chemical fertilizers. There is a close connection between crop production and soil microbiota, especially those which are present around the roots. Microorganisms perform a significant function in cycling of nutrients; they exclusively facilitate the processes of fixation of nitrogen, denitrification, as well as nitrification. Hence, application of biofertilizers is commendable with regard to augmentation and maintenance of soil nutrients, thus plummeting the usage of synthetic fertilizers, for a resourceful and environmental-friendly agricultural practices.
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Nisar, B., Rashid, S., Majeed, L.R., Pahalvi, H.N., Kamili, A.N. (2021). Introduction to Microbiota and Biofertilizers. In: Dar, G.H., Bhat, R.A., Mehmood, M.A., Hakeem, K.R. (eds) Microbiota and Biofertilizers, Vol 2. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-61010-4_10
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