Biofertilizers and Organic Fertilizers: Significance, Role in Soil Fertility, and Their Contribution to Promoting Organic Farming in India

Vootla Praveen Kumar; Vitthal Yamaji Deoghare; Gagnesh Sharma

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i06.91270

Biofertilizers and Organic Fertilizers: Significance, Role in Soil Fertility, and Their Contribution to Promoting Organic Farming in India

Author(s)	Dr. Vootla Praveen Kumar, Dr. Vitthal Yamaji Deoghare, Dr. Gagnesh Sharma
Country	India
Abstract	Soil fertility degradation, declining soil organic matter, nutrient imbalances, and increasing dependence on chemical fertilizers have emerged as major challenges to the sustainability of Indian agriculture. Biofertilizers and organic fertilizers offer important opportunities to improve soil fertility, enhance nutrient-use efficiency, promote beneficial soil microbial activity, and support environmentally sustainable agricultural production. Biofertilizers contain beneficial microorganisms capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen, solubilizing or mobilizing phosphorus and other nutrients, producing plant growth-promoting substances, and improving plant nutrient acquisition. Organic fertilizers, including farmyard manure (FYM), compost, vermicompost, green manure, oil cakes, and other biologically derived materials, supply nutrients while contributing to soil organic matter and improving soil physical, chemical, and biological properties. This review emphasizes the significance of biofertilizers and organic fertilizers in maintaining soil fertility and promoting organic farming in India. It discusses their mechanisms of action, effects on soil health, nutrient cycling, crop productivity, and environmental sustainability. Particular attention is given to Indian agricultural conditions, government initiatives, organic certification systems, and the integration of microbial inoculants with organic nutrient sources. Recent statistics from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the Government of India, and the National Centre for Organic and Natural Farming are incorporated to illustrate the expansion of organic agriculture and the growing importance of biological nutrient management. The review emphasizes that biofertilizers and organic fertilizers should be integrated within location-specific nutrient management strategies rather than considered universal substitutes for all mineral fertilizers. Strengthening quality control, microbial strain development, organic resource recycling, farmer training, and market infrastructure will be essential for realizing their full potential in India’s transition toward sustainable and organic agriculture.
Keywords	Biofertilizers, organic fertilizers, soil fertility, soil health, organic farming, nutrient cycling, microbial inoculants, India, integrated nutrient management.
Field	Biology
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 6, November-December 2026
Published On	2026-11-01
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i06.91270

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Biofertilizers and Organic Fertilizers: Significance, Role in Soil Fertility, and Their Contribution to Promoting Organic Farming in India

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