Can Biofertilizers Reduce Fertiliser Use? What Should Farmers Know Before Applying Them?

Farmers often look for ways to improve soil fertility while controlling the cost of fertilisers. Biofertilizers offer one option. They contain beneficial microorganisms that can help make nutrients available to plants and improve nutrient use when used as part of a wider nutrient-management plan.

The idea is gaining attention in India. In June 2026, ICAR-NBAIM organised farmer programmes in Uttar Pradesh to demonstrate microbial biofertilizers, including Bio-NPK, while stressing soil testing and balanced nutrient management.

What exactly is a biofertilizer?

A biofertilizer is a preparation containing beneficial microorganisms that can help improve nutrient availability or plant growth. These microbes can include nitrogen-fixing, phosphate-solubilising and potassium-mobilising organisms.

Unlike a conventional fertiliser, the product does not simply supply nutrients in the same chemical form. The microorganisms interact with soil and plant roots and can support processes that make some nutrients more available to crops.

ICAR describes biofertilizers as inputs containing microorganisms involved in nitrogen fixation and nutrient mobilisation. Their role is linked to nutrient availability and soil biological activity rather than simply replacing every fertiliser application.

Bio-NPK combines microorganisms that perform different nutrient-related functions. ICAR-NBAIM’s Bio-NPK contains nitrogen-fixing, phosphate-solubilising and potassium-solubilising microorganisms.

Nitrogen-fixing microbes can help convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms that plants can use. Phosphate-solubilising microbes can help make certain forms of phosphorus more available, while potassium-solubilising microbes can help mobilise potassium.

ICAR has also developed Bio-NPK formulations for different crops. One ICAR formulation contains Azotobacter, Pseudomonas and Bacillus bacteria and is intended to support nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium availability.

Can biofertilizers replace chemical fertilisers?

Farmers should not treat biofertilizers as a complete replacement for chemical fertilisers in every situation. Their role depends on the crop, soil condition, nutrient status, microbial product and method of application.

ICAR-NBAIM has repeatedly stressed integrated nutrient management and regular soil testing while promoting microbial inputs. The approach combines biological inputs with suitable fertiliser and organic-manure use according to crop requirements.

The practical goal is better nutrient use rather than simply removing one category of fertiliser. Farmers should first identify what nutrients their soil and crop require.

A farmer cannot decide whether a biofertilizer is needed by looking at the crop alone. Soil testing can provide information about nutrient levels and help determine where fertiliser applications are required.

ICAR-NBAIM’s farmer programmes in 2026 specifically highlighted periodic soil testing alongside microbial technologies. Scientists advised farmers to use nutrient-management practices based on soil conditions rather than applying inputs uniformly.

This is important because biofertilizers do not correct every soil problem. If a crop has a serious nutrient deficiency, farmers may still need an appropriate fertiliser application.

How do nitrogen-fixing microbes help?

Some microorganisms can fix atmospheric nitrogen and convert it into forms that plants can use. This process can contribute to nitrogen availability around the plant root system.

Azotobacter is one example used in some biofertilizer formulations. ICAR’s Bio-NPK technology includes nitrogen-fixing microorganisms alongside microbes involved in phosphorus and potassium mobilisation.

The amount of benefit can vary with soil, crop, microbial strain and management. Farmers should therefore follow the recommended application method rather than assuming that every nitrogen requirement will be met by the biofertilizer.

Some soil phosphorus exists in forms that plants cannot easily absorb. Phosphate-solubilising microorganisms can help convert certain unavailable forms into forms that plants can take up.

ICAR-NBAIM has demonstrated Bio-Phos, a microbial formulation containing phosphate-solubilising microorganisms. The institute says the technology can improve phosphorus availability and support nutrient uptake.

This does not mean that farmers should stop applying phosphorus fertiliser without checking soil and crop requirements. The microbial product is better viewed as one component of nutrient management.

How should farmers apply biofertilizers?

Application methods depend on the product and crop. Some formulations can be used for seed treatment, while others may be applied through soil or used with seedlings.

ICAR’s Bio-NPK technology lists seed treatment, root dipping for seedlings and soil application among possible delivery methods, depending on the crop and production system.

Farmers should follow the label and technical recommendation for the specific product. Using an unsuitable application method can reduce the expected benefit.

They should also avoid mixing products unless the manufacturer or agricultural expert confirms that the combination is suitable. Different microbial products may have different handling requirements.

Biofertilizers contain living microorganisms, so handling and storage can matter. Excessive heat, poor storage conditions or use beyond the recommended period can affect microbial viability.

Farmers should check the manufacturing date, expiry date, storage instructions and recommended temperature before purchasing a product.

They should also buy products from reliable sources and check whether the formulation meets applicable quality requirements. A cheaper product is not necessarily useful if its microbial population has been compromised.

Can biofertilizers work on every crop?

Different crops can respond differently to microbial inputs. Soil conditions, crop variety, moisture, temperature and existing microbial communities can influence results.

ICAR’s Bio-NPK technology has been validated for crops including maize, fodder crops, groundnut, wheat, rice and other agricultural systems. That does not mean every formulation will perform identically on every farm.

Farmers should therefore select a product recommended for their crop and region. Local agricultural universities, KVKs and agriculture departments can help identify suitable formulations and application methods.

Biofertilizers may help improve nutrient-use efficiency and reduce dependence on excessive chemical fertiliser use, but the saving cannot be assumed in advance. The potential reduction depends on the crop’s nutrient requirement, soil fertility, existing fertiliser programme and performance of the microbial product.

Farmers should compare input costs before and after adoption. They should also record crop yield rather than judging the product only by its purchase price.

A lower fertiliser bill is useful only if crop performance remains satisfactory. The best comparison includes total input cost, yield, produce price and any change in soil-management practices.

What should farmers check before buying?

First, identify the nutrient problem through soil testing. Then check whether the biofertilizer is recommended for the crop and the intended application method.

Next, check the product label, microbial strains, expiry date, storage instructions and recommended dose. Farmers should also ask whether the product has been tested or recommended by a recognised agricultural research or extension body.

Farmers can start on a small area and compare it with their normal practice. Keeping records of crop growth, fertiliser use, yield and cost can help them judge whether the product is useful under their own conditions.

Biofertilizers are not a shortcut that allows farmers to stop thinking about soil fertility. They work as part of a broader nutrient-management system.

The recent ICAR programmes show a similar approach. Scientists have promoted microbial inputs while also stressing soil testing, balanced fertilisation and correct application.

For farmers, the better question is not “Can biofertilizer replace fertiliser?” It is “Where can a suitable biofertilizer improve nutrient use on my farm?”

That answer will depend on the soil, crop, product and local conditions. A small field trial, backed by soil testing and proper records, can give farmers more useful information than changing their entire fertiliser programme at once.