About Book

Biofertilizers nowadays have been realised for shifting fortunes in agriculture. It has been proven successful technology in many developed countries while in developing countries exploitation of bioinoculants is hampered by several factors. Biofertilizers are required to restore the fertility of the soil. It comprises living organisms which include mycorrhizal fungi, blue-green algae, and bacteria. Prolonged use of chemical fertilizers degrades the soil and affects the crop yield. Biofertilizers, on the other hand, enhance the water holding capacity of the soil and add essential nutrients such as nitrogen, vitamins and proteins to the soil. They are the natural form of fertilizers and hence, widely used in agriculture. They do not allow pathogens to flourish. They are eco-friendly and cost-effective. Biofertilizers protect the environment from pollutants since they are natural fertilizers. They are proved to be effective even under semi-arid conditions. In developing countries, the most important challenge is to produce sufficient food for the growing population from inelastic land area. It is in this context, biofertilizers can provide to the small and marginal farmers an economically viable lever for realizing the ultimate goal of increasing productivity. The book aims to provide the latest research findings with the aim of enabling scientists, planners and farmers to make efficient utilization of low cost fertilizers in supplementing the nitrogen requirements. This book elucidates the concepts and innovations and respective developments with respect to this field. It focuses on impact of phosphate fertilizer, swine biofertilizer, semiarid conditions, earthworms and grape marc, symbiotic system and controlled-release fertilizers. It also deals with chitin/chitosan and biofertilizers in forestry. The topics included in this book are of utmost significance and are bound to provide incredible insights to readers about biofertilizers. It strives to provide a fair idea about this discipline and to help develop a better understanding of the latest advances within this field. It is an essential guide for both academicians and those who wish to pursue this discipline further.

Preface............................................................................................................v

Chapter 1 Ectomycorrhizal Fungi as Biofertilizers in Forestry...........................1

Abstract..........................................................................................................1

1. Introduction............................................................................................1

2. Ecological functions of ECM fungi....................................................3

3. Applications: ECM fungi to forestry.................................................5

4. Conclusions..........................................................................................12

Chapter 2 Chitin/Chitosan’s Bio-Fertilizer: Usage in Vegetative Growth of Wheat and Potato Crops.........................................................................25

Abstract.................................................................................................25

1. Introduction..........................................................................................26

2. Study of the use of raw chitin-chitosan as a bio-fertilizer.........27

3. Conclusion............................................................................................47

Chapter 3 Use of Some Bacteria and Mycorrhizae as Biofertilizers in Vegetable Growing and Beneficial Effects in Salinity and Drought Stress Conditions......................................................................................52

Abstract.................................................................................................52

1. Introduction..........................................................................................53

2. Beneficial microorganisms against stress conditions PGPR and

mycorrhiza............................................................................................55

3. The most effective environmental stress factors: salinity and

drought..................................................................................................60

4. Conclusion............................................................................................70

Chapter 4 Controlled-Release Fertilizers as a Means to Reduce Nitrogen

Leaching and Runoff in Container-Grown Plant Production........89

Abstract.................................................................................................89

1. Introduction..........................................................................................90

2. Nitrogen loss during container plant production........................91

3. Methods for reducing N loss...........................................................93

4. Controlled-release fertilizers and their applications....................95

5. Future development of CRFs..........................................................104

6. Conclusion..........................................................................................105

Chapter 5 The Unique Symbiotic System between a Fern and a

Cyanobacterium, Azolla-Anabaena azollae: Their Potential as

Biofertilizer, Feed, and Remediation.................................................114

Abstract...............................................................................................114

1. Introduction........................................................................................115

2. The partners Azolla, Anabaena azollae, and bacteria and their

relationship.........................................................................................115

3. Applications.......................................................................................120

4. Future perspectives...........................................................................124

Acknowledgements...........................................................................125

Chapter 6 Earthworms and Grape Marc: Simultaneous Production of a High-

Quality Biofertilizer and Bioactive-Rich Seeds...............................136

Abstract...............................................................................................136

1. Introduction........................................................................................137

2. The process of vermicomposting...................................................138

3. Vermicomposting of grape marc....................................................140

4. Evolution of the earthworm population during vermicomposting

of grape marc.....................................................................................142

5. Vermicompost of grape marc.........................................................144

6. Evolution of the polyphenol content of the grape marc and the

grape seeds during vermicomposting...........................................145

7. Overview of the vermicomposting process of grape marc......148

8. Conclusions........................................................................................149

Acknowledgements...........................................................................150

Chapter 7 Integrated Use of Phosphorus, Animal Manures and Biofertilizers

Improve Maize Productivity under Semiarid Condition..............155

Abstract...............................................................................................155

1. Introduction........................................................................................156

2. Materials and methods....................................................................159

3. Results and discussion.....................................................................160

4. Conclusions........................................................................................170

Chapter 8 The Effect of Solar Radiation in the Treatment of Swine Biofertilizer

from Anaerobic Reactor.........................................................................178

1. Introduction........................................................................................178

2. Pig industry in Brazil and worldwide..........................................179

3. Materials and methodology............................................................185

4. Results and discussion.....................................................................189

5. Conclusion..........................................................................................193

Acknowledgements...........................................................................193

Chapter 9 Contribution to the Study of the Impact of Phosphate Fertilizer

on Biochemical Parameters of Triticum durum...............................196

Abstract...............................................................................................196

1. Introduction........................................................................................196

2. Materials and methods....................................................................197

3. Results.................................................................................................198

4. Discussion and Conclusion.............................................................199

Citation......................................................................................................203

Index...........................................................................................................205

About Author

Edgar Porter pursued his Ph.D. in Soil Science and Agronomy from Public University of Science & Research, Nova Scotia. He is an Associate Professor at University College, Durango. His areas of interest are environmental soil Science and soil Science and its management. He has authored and edited numerous articles, journal papers and book chapters in the field of geology and plant growth, which have been published worldwide. He has also been an invited speaker at various international agricultural conferences.