Impact assessment of microbial formulations in agricultural soil

Abstract

Microbial formulations have a potential to restore the fertility of degraded soil through diverse processes, viz., by increasing the nutrient availability through nitrogen fixation and mobilization of essential elements (phosphorus, iron and potassium) to the plants and repairing the soil structure by improving its aggregation and stability. Microbial formulations also help in disease management. Success rate of these formulations in the field depends on their antagonistic or synergistic interaction with indigenous microbes, organic carbon content, soil properties (physical and chemical) and soil amendments. A consortium of microorganisms, with or without organic fertilizer, is more beneficial to restore soil fertility and organic matter content of agricultural soil than a single inoculum. Agricultural practices also play a great role in the establishment of these microbial formulations. Insight into all these factors will help in understanding the successful application of bio-formulations and their role in sustainable agriculture and natural restoration.