Biofertilizers are defined as preparations containing living cells or latent cells of efficient strains of microorganisms that help crop plants uptake of nutrients by their interactions in the rhizosphere when applied through seed or soil. They accelerate certain microbial processes in the soil which augment the extent of availability of nutrients in a form easily assimilated by plants.

Microorganisms play a vital role in accelerating the microbial processes in soil. Use of biofertilizers is one of the important components of integrated nutrient management, as they are cost effective and renewable source of plant nutrients to supplement the chemical fertilizers for sustainable agriculture. Several microorganisms and their association with crop plants are being exploited in the production of biofertilizers. They can be grouped in different ways based on their nature and function.

• A. Nitrogen  Fixing Biofertilizers

1. Free living : e.g   Azotobacter, Beijerinkia, Clostridium.
2. Symbiotic : e.g Rhizobium, Frankia, azollae
3. Associative Symbiotic : e.g Azospirillum

• B . Phosphate Solubilizing  Biofertilizers

1. Bacteria :  e.g  Bacillus megaterium, Pseudomonas striata
2. Fungi : e.g  Penicillium sp, Aspergillus awamori

• C. Potassium Mobilizing Bacteria
• B. mucilaginosus, B. edaphicus, B. circulans,
• Pseudomonas, Burkholderia, Acidithiobacillus
• ferrooxidans, and Paenibacillus spp.

• D. Biofertilizers for Micro nutrients

1. Silicate and Zinc solubilizers :  e.g  Bacillus sp.

• E. Plant Growth Promoting

1. e.g  Rhizobacteria ,Pseudomonas fluorescens

Mahabeej producing Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria (Rhizobium, Azotobacter), Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) for phosphorus, Potash Mobilizing Bacteria (KMB) for potassium, All these Biofertilizers in liquid form.  

Product Information :

• Mahabeej Biofertilizers  Product

1. Rhizobium

Rhizobium symbiotic nitrogen fixation bacteria, It fix nitrogen in the root and stem nodules through the action of symbiosis .It is used as a Bio- fertilizer for all leguminous plants. Species of Rhizobium available for specific crop.

2. Phosphate solubilizing bacteria

PSB micro- organism plays a major role in solubilization and uptake of native and applied phosphorus in soil. 

3. Azotobacter

Azotobacter is free living bacteria. It fixes atmospheric nitrogen into the soil. It is used as  a Biofertilizers for all cereal crops.

4. Potash Mobilizing  Bacteria

It helps to mobilize the insoluble form of potassium to easily available form for crop growth.

Recommended Crop:-All types of Crops.

Method of application:-

• Seed Treatment: -  100 ml per 10 Kg of seeds
• Drip irrigation: - 1-2 ltr . Per acre.
• Root Dipping :- 500 ml per acre.
• Soil Application :- 2 ltr in 50 kg FYM mix and apply evenly.

Advantages:-

• Biofertilizer enhances the Potassium nutrient availability to crop plants.
• Enhances seed germination.
• It increase the plant root growth.
• Reduces chemical fertilizer dose.
• Enhances crop yield
• Increases the ability of crops to absorb nutients from the soil.
• Imparts better health to the soil.

Precaution

• Do not mix insecticide, fungicide, herbicide and chemical fertilizers.
• Use before expiry date.
• Use Biofertilizers for recommended crops.
• While using soil moisture is essential.
• Seed treatment with fungicide / insecticide should be followed by Biofertilizers.

Bio-Fungicide

Trichoderma Viride : Trichoderma Viride  1.5 %  is an eco friendly bio –fungicide & nematicide,  It effectively control seed borne &soil borne disease of crop. 

Method of application:-

• After seed treatment it Enhances seed germination.
• It degraded the Biodegradablewaste product& improves the soil heath. 
•  It inhibit the growth of seed borne fungi ,and Destroys pathogenic / harmful fungi in the soil
• Seed Treatment:-Treat the seed with Trichoderma Viride 1.5 % WP @ 20 g/kg of seed.
• Nursery Bed:-Treat the nursery bed by mixing Trichoderma Viride  1.50% WP @ 50 g/ square meter area.
• Soil Application:-Apply Trichoderma Viride 1.50 % WP 5 Kg/ha.With 5 ton FYM to the soil before sowing.

Advantages:-

• After seed treatment it Enhances seed germination.
• It degraded the Biodegradablewaste product& improves the soil heath. 
• It inhibit the growth of seed borne fungi ,and Destroys pathogenic / harmful fungi in the soil

Mahajaivik-Mahabeej Liquid Biofertilizer Consortia

Mahabeej is supplying quality liquid biofertilizers to the farmers of the State since 2019. However, it was decided to develop & supply quality liquid consortia considering the market trend.  Accordingly, after having so many trials and errors during last three years, MSSCL has developed two quality Consortia i.e. Mahajaivik Rhizo (Rhizobium, PSB & KMB) and Mahajaivik Azoto (Azotobacter, PSB & KMB).

When these liquid biofertilizer consortia were tested in three different laboratories viz. Mahabeej Liquid Biofertilizer Laboratory, Fertilizer Control Laboratory, Amravati and Agriculture College Laboratory , Pune, it is found that the results are phenomenal i.e. significantly higher than required standards which is quite commendable. 

These liquid biofertilizer consortia are launched by Hon. Agriculture Minister Abdulji Sattar on the occasion of the 47^th anniversary of Mahabeej in the presence of Hon. Mr. Sachin Kalantre, Managing Director (Mahabeej), Hon. Mr. Vallabharavji Deshmukh, Director (Mahabeej), Hon. Dr. Ranjit Sapkal, Director (Mahabeej) & Hon. Shri. Santosh Aalse, Director (Maharashtra State Seed Certification Agency).  The details of these Liquid Biofertilizer Consortia are as below: