Constraints in Biofertilizer Technology

Although the biofertilizer technology is a low cost, eco-friendly technology, several constraints limit the application or implementation of the technology. The constraints may be environmental, technological, infrastructural, financial, human resources, unawareness, quality, marketing, etc. The different constraints, in one way or another, affect the technique at production or marketing or usage.

Technological constraints

• Use of improper, less efficient strains for production;
• Lack of qualified technical personnel in production units;
• Production of poor quality inoculants without understanding the basic microbiological techniques;
• Short shelf-life of inoculants.

Infrastructural constraints

• Non-availability of suitable facilities for production;
• Lack of essential equipment, power supply, etc.;
• Space availability for laboratory, production, storage, etc.;
• Lack of facilities for cold storage of inoculant packages.

Financial constraints

• Non-availability of sufficient funds and problems in getting bank loans;
• Less return by sale of products in smaller production units.

Environmental constraints

• Seasonal demand for biofertilizers;
• Simultaneous cropping operations and short span of sowing/planting in a particular locality;
• Soil characteristics like salinity, acidity, drought, water logging, etc.

Human resources and quality constraints

• Lack of technically qualified staff in the production units;
• Lack of suitable training on the production techniques;
• Ignorance on the quality of the manufactured product;
• Non-availability of quality specifications and quick quality control methods;
• No regulation or act on the quality of the products;
• Awareness on the technology;
• Unawareness on the benefits of the technology;
• Problems in the adoption of the technology by the farmers due to different methods of inoculation;
• No immediate visual difference in the crop growth like that of inorganic fertilizers.

Biofertilizers have a great role in increasing the crop production. They improve the soil health status and provide different growth-promoting hormones and phytohormones to the plant. Moreover, they do not leave residual effects like those of chemical fertilizers. Thus, the use of biofertilizers could be the proper option for sustainable agriculture.

What precautions should one take before using biofertilizers?

• Biofertilizer packages need to be stored in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight and heat.
• The right combinations of biofertilizers have to be used.
• Other chemicals (fertilizers and pesticides) should not be mixed with the biofertilizers.
• Seed treatment chemicals like Bavistine etc. should be mixed 3 days prior to mixing with biofertilizer treatment.
• Sow the treated seeds (with biofertilizer) immediately, preferably in the morning or afternoon avoiding scorching sunlight.
• The package has to be used before its expiry, only for the specified crop and by the recommended method of application.