Biofertilizers for Sustainable Agriculture and Environment

Biofertilizers for Sustainable Agriculture and Environment
Author: Bhoopander Giri
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 547
Release: 2019-08-09
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3030189333

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.

Handbook of Biomass Valorization for Industrial Applications

Handbook of Biomass Valorization for Industrial Applications
Author: Shahid ul-Islam
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 555
Release: 2022-01-05
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1119818796

HANDBOOK of BIOMASS VALORIZATION for INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS The handbook provides a comprehensive view of cutting-edge research on biomass valorization, from advanced fabrication methodologies through useful derived materials, to current and potential application sectors. Industrial sectors, such as food, textiles, petrochemicals and pharmaceuticals, generate massive amounts of waste each year, the disposal of which has become a major issue worldwide. As a result, implementing a circular economy that employs sustainable practices in waste management is critical for any industry. Moreover, fossil fuels, which are the primary sources of fuel in the transportation sector, are also being rapidly depleted at an alarming rate. Therefore, to combat these global issues without increasing our carbon footprint, we must look for renewable resources to produce chemicals and biomaterials. In that context, agricultural waste materials are gaining popularity as cost-effective and abundantly available alternatives to fossil resources for the production of a variety of value-added products, including renewable fuels, fuel components, and fuel additives. Handbook of Biomass Valorization for Industrial Applications investigates current and emerging feedstocks, as well as provides in-depth technical information on advanced catalytic processes and technologies that enable the development of all possible alternative energy sources. The 22 chapters of this book comprehensively cover the valorization of agricultural wastes and their various uses in value-added applications like energy, biofuels, fertilizers, and wastewater treatment. Audience The book is intended for a very broad audience working in the fields of materials sciences, chemical engineering, nanotechnology, energy, environment, chemistry, etc. This book will be an invaluable reference source for the libraries in universities and industrial institutions, government and independent institutes, individual research groups, and scientists working in the field of valorization of biomass.

Biofertilizers for Sustainable Soil Management

Biofertilizers for Sustainable Soil Management
Author: Shah Fahad
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 411
Release: 2023-08-22
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1000926680

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. Addresses plant responses to biofertilizers.

Biofertilizers

Biofertilizers
Author: Inamuddin
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 690
Release: 2021-08-03
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 1119724678

Great attention has been paid to reduce the use of conventional chemical fertilizers harming living beings through food chain supplements from the soil environment. Therefore, it is necessary to develop alternative sustainable fertilizers to enhance soil sustainability and agriculture productivity. Biofertilizers are the substance that contains microorganisms (bacteria, algae, and fungi) living or latent cells that can enrich the soil quality with nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, organic matter, etc. They are a cost-effective, biodegradable, and renewable source of plant nutrients/supplements to improve the soil-health properties. Biofertilizers emerge as an attractive alternative to chemical fertilizers, and as a promising cost-effective technology for eco-friendly agriculture and a sustainable environment that holds microorganisms which enhance the soil nutrients' solubility leading a raise in its fertility, stimulates crop growth and healthy food safety. This book provides in-depth knowledge about history and fundamentals to advances biofertilizers, including latest reviews, challenges, and future perspectives. It covers fabrication approaches, and various types of biofertilizers and their applications in agriculture, environment, forestry and industrial sectors. Also, organic farming, quality control, quality assurance, food safety and case-studies of biofertilizers are briefly discussed. Biofertilizers' physical properties, affecting factors, impact, and industry profiles in the market are well addressed. This book is an essential guide for farmers, agrochemists, environmental engineers, scientists, students, and faculty who would like to understand the science behind the sustainable fertilizers, soil chemistry and agroecology.

Biofertilizers and Biopesticides in Sustainable Agriculture

Biofertilizers and Biopesticides in Sustainable Agriculture
Author: B. D. Kaushik
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 460
Release: 2019-10-23
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0429607733

This new volume, Biofertilizers and Biopesticides in Sustainable Agriculture, presents strategies for the management of soil and crop diseases. Microbes have attracted worldwide attention due to their role in disease management and remediation of polluted soils. Taking a sustainable approach, this book explores the means of integrating various microbial management approaches to achieve the desired levels of crop yield under both conventional soils and neglected soils through the use of biopesticides and other botanicals as well as biomolecules. This book also presents a broad and updated view of molecular nitrogen fixation and phosphate-solubilizing and sulfur-transforming microbes for nutrition of crops in relation to the role of metal tolerant microbes in providing protection to plants grown in metal-contaminated soils. The preparation and application of biofertilizers, utilization of household waste materials, and use of genetically modified microorganisms (GMOs) in plant growth and development are also well discussed in the volume.

Sustainable Crop Production

Sustainable Crop Production
Author: Mirza Hasanuzzaman
Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
Total Pages: 354
Release: 2020-06-17
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1789853176

This book includes twenty-one comprehensive chapters addressing various soil and crop management issues, including modern techniques in enhancing crop production in the era of climate change. There are a few case studies and experimental evidence about these production systems in specific locations. Particular focus is provided on the state-of-the-art of biotechnology, nanotechnology, and precision agriculture, as well as many other recent approaches in ensuring sustainable crop production. This book is useful for undergraduate and graduate students, teachers, and researchers, particularly in the fields of crop science, soil science, and agronomy.

Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) in a Sustainable Rice-Wheat Cropping System

Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) in a Sustainable Rice-Wheat Cropping System
Author: Anil Mahajan
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 277
Release: 2009-05-07
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 1402098758

Agriculture is the main occupation in India and about 75% of its population depends directly or indirectly on agriculture for their livelihood. It is the dominant sector that contributes 18% of the gross domestic product. Thus, agriculture is the foundation of the Indian economy. The maximum share of Indian exports is also from the agriculture sector. As the population of the country is increasing trem- dously, approximately at the rate of 19 million every year over the existing popu- tion of more than 1 billion (approximately 1. 18 billion), the food grain production must necessarily be increased. This can be done by increasing crop production to match the population growth rate of 2. 2% per annum, which is expected to stabilize at 1. 53 billion around 2050. There is no doubt that the Green Revolution in India during the late 1960s brought self-sufficiency in food grain production, mainly through the increase in rice and wheat crop yields – the two main crops of the country which play an important role from food security point of view. However, the excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides, and the neglect of organic manures for these crops, has resulted in the deterioration of physical, chemical and biological health of the ri- and wheat-growing soils. Owing to the deterioration of the health of these soils, the productivity of the rice–wheat cropping system has now either got reduced or in some places has become constant for the last decade.

Biotechnology of Biofertilizers

Biotechnology of Biofertilizers
Author: S. Kannaiyan
Publisher: Alpha Science Int'l Ltd.
Total Pages: 400
Release: 2002
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9781842650998

This volume is written with the objective of covering the basic issues in biological nitrogen fixation such as: the physiology, biochemistry and molecular genetics of nitrogen fixation; and the role of signal molecules and host gene expression in nodulation and nitrogen fixation. The book also details recent developments in biofertilizer technology, such as: the immobilization of cyanobacteria; endophytic nitrogen fixation; and solubilization and mobilization of nutrients by phosphobacteria and VA mycorrhiza and their role as bioinoculants.

The Complete Technology Book on Biofertilizer and Organic Farming (2nd Revised Edition)

The Complete Technology Book on Biofertilizer and Organic Farming (2nd Revised Edition)
Author: NIIR Board
Publisher: NIIR PROJECT CONSULTANCY SERVICES
Total Pages: 577
Release: 2012-01-01
Genre:
ISBN: 9381039070

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.