SAURABH K. SINGH*, NIKHIL D. BHOPLE, A. TOMAR , SAVITA AND M. RANA
Department of Horticulture, School of Agriculture, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara-144 411 (Punjab), India
*(e-mail : saurabh3596@gmail.com; Mobile : 96904-80838)
ABSTRACT
Higher farm productivity is required to fulfil food demand of the burgeoning population. A huge amount of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers has been used due to significant contribution in crop production. It resulted in soil degradation, water pollution, and toxic residue in food and health issues. Integrated nutrient management is one of the key management practices for sustainable agriculture. Bio-fertilizers, the microbes have been identified which can fix atmospheric nitrogen, solubilize soil minerals, are an important input for sustainable agriculture. Traditionally, peat, perlite, charcoal and lignite are being used as a carrier material for bio-fertilizer production. A number of carrier materials based on a variety of agro-by-products have been developed which are efficient and economic. There is a good scope to develop agro-by-product based carrier materials for efficient bio- fertilizer production, which are available in large quantity and economically feasible. Bio-fertilizers can substitute chemical fertilizers, reduce the cost of production and improve soil health which is one of the prime considerations in sustainable crop production practices. Bio fertilizers are eco-friendly, low cost and efficient to provide nutrient to different crop plants. Hence, they can be utilized as a key driver of green agricultural practices.
Key words : Bio-fertilizers, carrier materials, agro-by-products, sustainable agriculture