The primary distinction between organic and biofertilizer is that organic fertilizer is a nutrient source containing plant or animal-based materials, which are either by-products or end products of naturally occurring processes. In contrast, biofertilizer is a type of fertilizer containing living beneficial microorganisms or dormant cells of effective microbial strains and is generally not a nutrient source.
Key Takeaways
- Organic fertilizer is a natural fertilizer containing plant or animal-based materials, while biofertilizer contains live biomass or dormant cells of effective microbial strains.
- Organic fertilizer is a nutrient source, whereas biofertilizer is not a nutrient source but contains beneficial microorganisms.
- Both organic and biofertilizers are eco-friendly and more cost-effective than chemical fertilizers.
What is an Organic Fertilizer?
Organic fertilizer is a natural fertilizer containing plant or animal-based materials, such as animal manure and composted organic materials. It is sometimes referred to as organic manure. Organic fertilizers provide nutrients to plants while creating healthy soil and help sustain or increase the soil microbiome. They may consist of animal waste, plant residues, plant extracts, and inorganic “organic fertilizers” like minerals and ash. Organic fertilizers are available in liquid and solid forms and are widely used for vegetables, fruits, and cash crops. While they have numerous benefits, they may take longer to take effect than chemical fertilizers and have a lower composition of macronutrients.
What is a Bio Fertilizer?
Biofertilizers are microbial inoculants defined as preparations containing live or latent cells of efficient strains of nitrogen-fixing, phosphate solubilizing, potassium solubilizing, cellulolytic microorganisms, mycorrhizal fungi, or blue-green algae. These products contain living microorganisms that, when applied to seeds, plant surfaces, or soil, colonize the rhizosphere or the interior of the plant and promote growth by increasing the supply of primary nutrients to the plant. Biofertilizers provide nutrients indirectly to plants by accelerating natural processes and help restore the natural nutrient cycle of the soil. They are eco-friendly and favored for their ability to restore the natural microbiome of the soil environment.
What are the Similarities Between Organic and Bio Fertilizer?
Organic and biofertilizer are both types of natural, eco-friendly fertilizers that are more cost-effective than chemical fertilizers. They are generally not toxic to humans, animals, and other organisms. Organic fertilizer may contain beneficial microorganisms similar to biofertilizers.
Summary – Organic vs Bio Fertilizer
Organic and biofertilizers are two types of natural fertilizers that are eco-friendly. Organic fertilizer contains plant or animal-based materials and is a nutrient source, while biofertilizer contains live biomass or dormant cells of effective microbial strains and is not a nutrient source.
