Agrifood Waste as Biofertilizer

In recent years there have been major changes in environmental and soil health caused by the erratic consumption of chemical fertilizers while improved methods for the creation of microbial inoculants have increased knowledge about the potential to use microorganisms (biofertilizers) in the mineral nutrition of plants. Biofertilizers are formulated products that contain one or more microorganism to enhance the nutrient status (growth and yield) of plants by replacing soil nutrients or making them more available to plants. However, they are not true fertilizers and do not directly increase soil fertility by adding nutrients but instead promote natural processes and synthesize growth-promoting substances that stimulate plant growth. The value of this book includes: Assessing the current research about and developments in the understanding of biofertilizers. Focusing on the practical study of microbial inoculants through the technology involved in their manufacture and the methods used for mass production, distribution, and commercial delivery of the product to farmers. Systematically considering the microorganisms that are used as biofertilizers and how they influence certain processes (e.g. in nitrogen fixation, iron sequestration, and phosphate solubilization) to make complex organic molecules available for plants. Contributing to the wider understanding of organic farming as a sustainable production system that can improve environmental quality and human health. As part of the Agrifood Waste Series, this book demonstrates how biofertilizers from agrifood waste are an ideal candidate to replace chemical fertilizers and promote more sustainable agriculture. It provides readers with a comprehensive overview of the various processes that occur to turn microbial structures into biofertilizers before they are applied in the field.