Biofertilizers Use in Tomato
Introduction
Increase yield by 20-30% in crops
Biofertilizers Use in Tomato
Biofertilizers are ready to use live formulations of beneficial microorganisms which on application, mobilize availability of nutrients by their biological activity and build up soil health
Form a part of integrated nutrient management
Ideal for farmers practicing organic farming
Types of biofertilizers
For Nitrogen
Nitrogen fixing bacteria like Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Azospirillum
For Phosphorus & hormones
Phosphate solublizing bacteria
Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza (VAM)
Plant growth promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR)
Biofertilizers Use in Tomato
Biofertilizers fix atmospheric nitrogen in the soil and make it available to the plants
Decompose organic matter and help in mineralisation
Produce hormones that promote root growth
Mode of action of biofertilizers
Biofertilizers Use in Tomato
Cost effective: increase crop yield by 10-30%
Activate the soil biologically
Restore natural soil fertility
Supplement to fertilizers: replace chemical fertilizers upto 25%
Provide protection against some soil borne diseases
Benefits of biofertilizers
Biofertilizers Use in Tomato
Azotobacter with phosphate solubilizing bacteria is recommended for tomato crop
Azotobacter acts by
Supplying 20-40 mg N/g of carbon source Producing growth substances like vitamins, IAA and Gibberellic acidBiological control of plant diseases and suppresses plant pathogens
Mycorrhiza help by solubilizing nutrients and overcoming moisture stress
Biofertilizer for tomato
Biofertilizers Use in Tomato
Seed Treatment
•Suspend one packet (200 g) of biofertilizer in approx. 400 ml water (1:2) to treat 10-12 kg tomato seed
•Pour the suspension over the seeds •Mix thoroughly to apply uniformly
•Dry the seeds in shade and sow
•Sugar solution (10%) or gum arabica (10%) can be used as an adhesive
Method of application
Contd..
Biofertilizers Use in Tomato
Seedling dipping •Suspend 1kg (5 packets) biofertilizer culture in 10-15 litres of water. One packet is sufficient for 0.1 ha area
•Make small bundles of tomato seedlings
•Dip the root of the seedlings in the suspension for 15-30 minutes
• Transplant immediately
Method of application
Contd..
Biofertilizers Use in Tomato
Soil application
•Mix 10-15 packets (each of 200 g) with 40-60 kg of well decomposed cattle manure or with 40-60 kg soil for one acre area •Wet the mixture by sprinkling water •Broadcast into the soil at the time of sowing
Method of application
Biofertilizers Use in Tomato
Precautions for using Biofertilizers
Biofertilizer packets should be stored in cool and dry place away from direct sunlight
Do not mix biofertilizer simultaneously with inorganic fertilizers/pesticides
Biofertilizer packet should be used before its expiry
For better results, biofertilizers should be used in combination with inorganic fertilizers
Biofertilizers Use in Tomato
Biofertilizers are useful microorganisms that provide nutrients to the plants in the rhizosphere
Reduce environmental pollution and cut down the cost of chemical fertilizers
Release the nutrients gradually and prevent leaching of nutrients from the soil
Improve soil health and provide protection against some soil borne diseases
Biofertilizers are applied to the crop as seed, seedling or soil treatment
Let us sum up
Biofertilizers Use in Tomato