Question

What is biofertilizer? A farmer is advised to add a culture of which bacterium before sowing? How is this bacterium useful to the crop?

Hint:

Rhizobium is a vital biofertilizer for leguminous crops, as it helps fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil.

Answer 1

Step 1: Define Biofertilizer. - Biofertilizers are substances that contain living microorganisms, which promote plant growth by enhancing the availability of nutrients to the plant. These include bacteria, fungi, and algae.
Step 2: Bacterium Culture for Sowing. - A farmer is often advised to add a culture of Rhizobium bacteria before sowing.
Step 3: Role of Rhizobium in Crop Growth. - Rhizobium bacteria form a symbiotic relationship with leguminous plants, fixing atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for the plant. This enhances the nitrogen content in the soil, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and promoting plant growth.
Final Answer: Biofertilizers are microbial cultures that aid plant growth. Rhizobium bacteria help in nitrogen fixation, providing essential nutrients to the crops.