Handbook Of Microbial Biofertilizers

Sharply focused, up-to-date information on microbial biofertilizers—including emerging options such as Piriformospora indica and Matsutake The Handbook of Microbial Biofertilizers provides in-depth coverage of all major microbial biofertilizers (rhizobia, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and cyanobacteriaas well as new and emerging growth promoters (endophytes). It examines the role of microbes in growth promotion, bioprotectors, and bioremidiators, and presents protocols and practical strategies for using microbes in sustainable agriculture. An abundance of helpful charts, tables, and figures make complex information easy to access and understand. In this first-of-its-kind volume, contributors from 11 countries and several continents address important issues surrounding microbial biofertilizers, including: the rhizobium-host-arbuscular mycorrhizal tripartite relationship mycorrhiza as a disease suppresser and stress reducer mycorrhiza helping bacteria the impact of functional groups of soil microorganisms on nutrient turnover PBPRs as biofertilizers and biopesticides the potential of wild-legume rhizobia for use as a biofertilizers the expanding role of blue-green algae in sustainable agriculture the role of microbial fertilizers in sustainable plant production new and emerging endophytes the commercial potential of biofertilizers In this young century, the use of biofertilizers is already growing rapidly. It has been recognized that these environment-friendly bioprotectors, growth boosters, and remediators are essential for soil/plant health. The Handbook of Microbial Biofertilizers is designed to fit the expanding information needs of current and future biotechnologists, microbiologists, botanists, agronomists, environmentalists, and others whose work involves sustained agriculture.

Chapter 1. Potential and Possible Uses of Bacterial and Fungal Biofertilizers Chapter 2. Evaluation of the Functional Group of Microorganisms As Bioindicators on the Rhizosphere Microcosm Chapter 3. Tripartite Relationship of Rhizobium, AMF, and Host in Growth Promotion Chapter 4. Biological Fertilizers for Sustainable Rice Production Chapter 5. Mycorrhiza Helper Bacteria: Their Ecological Impact in Mycorrhizal Symbiosis Chapter 6. Plant-Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria As Biofertilizers and Biopesticides Chapter 7. Sustainable Agriculture and the RhizobialLegumes Symbiosis Chapter 8. Wild-Legume Rhizobia: Biodiversity and Potential As Biofertilizer Chapter 9. Potential of Arbuscular Mycorrhizae in Organic Farming Systems Chapter 10. Role of Mycorrhizae in Forestry Chapter 11. Physiological and Molecular Aspects of Osmotic Stress Alleviation in Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Plants Chapter 12. Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Inoculation in Nursery Practice Chapter 13. Interaction Between Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Root Pathogens Chapter 14. Production of Seedlings Inoculated with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Their Performance After Outplanting Chapter 15. Status of Endomycorrhizal (AMF) Biofertilizer in the Global Market Chapter 16. Role of Cyanobacteria As Biofertilizers: Potentials and Limitations Chapter 17. Cyanobacterial Biofertilizers for Rice: Present Status and Future Prospects Chapter 18. A Comparative Study on Nitrogen-Fixing Cyanobacteria in South American and European Rice Fields Chapter 19. Piriformospora indica As a New and Emerging Mycofertilizer and Biotizer: Potentials and Prospects in Sustainable Agriculture Chapter 20. Matsutake: A Natural Biofertilizer? Wang fun fan Robert Hall Future Challenges Conclusions Index

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the benefits of biofertilizers as an alternative to chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Agricultural production has increased massively over the last century due to increased use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, but these gains have come at a price. The chemicals are not only expensive; they also reduce microbial activity in agricultural soils and accumulate in the food chain, with potentially harmful effects for humans. Accordingly, it is high time to explore alternatives and to find solutions to overcome our increasing dependence on these chemicals. Biofertilizers, which consist of plant remains, organic matter and microorganisms, might offer an alternative. They are natural, organic, biodegradable, eco-friendly and cost-effective. Further, the microbes present in the biofertilizers are important, because they produce nutrients required for plant growth (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium), as well as substances essential for plant growth and development (e.g., auxins and cytokinins). Biofertilizers also improve the physical properties, fertility and productivity of soil, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers while maintaining high crop yield. This makes biofertilizers a powerful tool for sustainable agriculture and a sustainable environment. The book covers the latest research on biofertilizers, ranging from beneficial fungal, bacterial and algal inoculants; to microbes for bioremediation, wastewater treatment; and recycling of biodegradable municipal, agricultural and industrial waste; as well as biocontrol agents and bio-pesticides. As such, it offers a valuable resource for researchers, academics and students in the broad fields of microbiology and agriculture.

This book, inclusive of 39 chapters, provides a detailed discussion on the biotechnological methods and processes, as well as the industrial applications, of various microbial resources. Current use of these microbial resources in the medical (anti-cancer substances from bacteria), agricultural (i.e., mycorrhizal fungi, biofertilizers, insect pest control), food (i.e., probiotics, prebiotics), feed, cosmetic, biofuel, and bioremediation industries are highlighted, giving researchers in these various fields a valuable resource for the latest developments in microbial bioresources.

Biofertilizers are seen as an important alternative technology, since the negative externalities of chemical fertilizers have become well known. The use of the latter has led to considerable environmental cost. Biofertilizers do not pollute the soil and do not disrupt the ecological balance, and hence are environment friendly. An increasing number of farmers are using biofertilizers, and the numbers of biofertilizer manufacturing units have also grown considerably. Organic farming system in India is not new and is being followed from ancient time. It is a method of farming system which primarily aimed at cultivating the land and raising crops in such a way, as to keep the soil alive and in good health by use of organic wastes (crop, animal and farm wastes, aquatic wastes) and other biological materials along with beneficial microbes (biofertilizers) to release nutrients to crops for increased sustainable production in an eco friendly pollution free environment. Organic farming has emerged as an important priority area globally in view of the growing demand for safe and healthy food and long term sustainability and concerns on environmental pollution associated with indiscriminate use of agrochemicals. Going organic may be a clear way of getting back to basics and getting away from the havoc chemicals can wreak on our health and our environment but the basics themselves may not be so clear. This book provides the view of immense potential of biofertilizers as a supplementary nutrient source for the crops and covers all major types of bacterial fertilizers. The major contents of this book is crop response to biofertilizers, nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilising microorganisms, application and evaluation techniques, biogas production, pest and disease management system in agriculture, production, promotion, quality control, marketing, future research planning, photographs and details of machineries, list of manufacturers and suppliers of biofertilizers and organic farming in directory section. This book will be of use and interest to consultants, researchers, libraries, and entrepreneurs, manufacturers of biofertilizer and for those who wants to venture in to this field.