In the biofertilizer research there are two formulations 1) CARRIER BASED
2) LIQUID FORMULATIONS
Which one is more effective in the field?
Biofertilizers are biological products that contain living microorganisms that can enhance plant growth and yield by various mechanisms, such as fixing atmospheric nitrogen, solubilizing phosphorus, mobilizing potassium, producing plant hormones or antagonizing plant pathogens Biofertilizers can be classified into two types based on their formulation: carrier-based biofertilizers and liquid biofertilizers.
Carrier-based biofertilizers are biofertilizers that use solid materials such as peat, lignite, charcoal or vermiculite as carriers or substrates for the microorganisms. Carrier-based biofertilizers are usually prepared by mixing the carrier with a microbial culture and then drying and packing them in suitable container
Carrier-based biofertilizers have some disadvantages, such as:
- Short shelf life (6-12 months) due to loss of viability and activity of microorganisms over time
- Effect of high temperature and contamination on the quality and performance of biofertilizers
- Loss of properties due to storage at high temperatures (above 45°C) or exposure to sunlight
- Low population density of microorganisms (10 6 -10 8 cells/g) due to limited space and nutrients in the carrier.
- Difficult to use by the farmers due to the bulky and heavy nature of the carrier.
- Low export potential due to strict quarantine regulations and high transportation costs.
- High dosages are required (5-10 kg/ha) to achieve effective results
- Complex and time-consuming quality control protocols to ensure the purity, viability and efficacy of biofertilizers
Liquid biofertilizers are biofertilizers that use liquid media such as water, broth or oil as carriers or solvents for the microorganisms. Liquid biofertilizers are usually prepared by growing the microorganisms in a suitable liquid medium and then filtering, sterilizing and packing them in suitable containers.
Liquid biofertilizers have many advantages over carrier-based biofertilizers, such as:
- Longer shelf life (12-24 months) due to better preservation and stability of microorganisms in liquid form.
- No effect of high temperature and contamination on the quality and performance of biofertilizers.
- No loss of properties due to storage at high temperatures (up to 45°C) or exposure to sunlight.
- High population density of microorganisms (10 9 -10 10 cells/ml) due to ample space and nutrients in the liquid medium
- Easy to use by the farmers due to the light and convenient nature of the liquid form
- High export potential due to fewer quarantine regulations and low transportation cost
- Low dosages required (0.5-1 kg/ha) to achieve effective results
- Simple and quick quality control protocols to ensure the purity, viability and efficacy of biofertilizers.
Therefore, liquid biofertilizers are more effective than carrier-based biofertilizers in terms of shelf life, quality, performance, convenience, cost and export potential. However, liquid biofertilizers also have some challenges, such as:
- Need for special equipment and facilities for the production, storage and distribution of liquid biofertilizers
- Need for proper packaging and labelling of liquid biofertilizers to avoid leakage, spillage or confusion with other liquids
Yes, Liquid biofertilizer is more beneficial, cost effective, and ease in application.
Yes liquid based bioformulations are more efficient over carrier based biofertilizers.
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