Biofertilizers Use in Tomato

Introduction

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 Increase yield by 20-30% in crops

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 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

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

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

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..

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..

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

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 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