MICROBIAL MARVELS: EVALUATING THE GROWTH INFLUENCE OF BACILLUS SPECIES BIOFERTILIZER AND CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS ON RICE (ORYZA SATIVA L.)

Abstract

Contemporary agricultural practices, characterized by the extensive use of high-inorganic phosphate fertilizers, have raised significant environmental concerns. The non-renewable nature of these fertilizers, coupled with their detrimental impact on the food chain production, necessitates a reevaluation of current approaches (Withers et al., 2014). A considerable portion of applied phosphates to soils remains inaccessible to plants due to fixations caused by aluminum (Al) and iron (Fe) metals in acidic soils, highlighting the need for sustainable alternatives (Ch’ng et al., 2014).

This study addresses the environmental repercussions of intensive chemical inputs in agriculture, including pollution, soil degradation, and the depletion of essential microorganisms crucial for nutrient mobilization. The accumulation of toxic elements in soils further accentuates the urgency to explore innovative and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional phosphate fertilizers.

Recognizing phosphorus as a fundamental element for plant growth and development, this research emphasizes the pivotal role it plays at every stage of the plant life cycle. The robustness and growth of plant roots hinge on the availability of phosphorus in the soil. Inadequate phosphorus levels can lead to stunted plant growth, insufficient development, and compromised crop yields. Despite the diverse forms of phosphorus existing in soils, including organic and inorganic compounds, a significant challenge remains in making these forms accessible to plant roots.

A promising avenue to address the inefficiencies and environmental concerns associated with traditional phosphate fertilizers is the adoption of biological fertilizers. By leveraging biological fertilizers, this approach seeks to optimize the utilization of applied phosphorus while mitigating the adverse effects on agricultural fields. This strategy not only ensures sustained soil quality and yield but also serves as a sustainable solution to safeguard the environment.