Through a number of mechanisms that increase mineral solubility, chelation, and availability, biofertilizers have the power to affect how quickly micronutrients are released into the soil. Micronutrients are necessary substances that plants need in minute amounts, and soil availability is critical for optimum plant growth and development. The following describes how biofertilizers affect the soil’s release of micronutrients:
Producing organic acids: Some biofertilizers, including phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi, do so. To make soil micronutrients more soluble and available for plant absorption, these organic acids can chelate or bind to them. Chelation of micronutrients increases their availability to plant roots by preventing them from forming insoluble complexes.
Phytohormones and root exudates: Biofertilizers containing mycorrhizal fungus and bacteria that promote plant development can encourage the host plant to produce these substances. By changing the chemical and physical characteristics of the soil, these substances can improve the mobilization and uptake of micronutrients in the rhizosphere (root zone).
Solubilization of micronutrient: Some microorganisms in biofertilizers have the capacity to dissolve micronutrient that are present in the soil but in less accessible forms. For instance, some microbes may solubilize iron, zinc, manganese, and copper, which increases plants’ access to these micronutrient.
Improved nutrient cycling occurs as a result of the helpful microorganisms in biofertilizers breaking down organic matter in the soil and liberating micronutrient that are encased in organic complexes. This microbial action promotes nutrient recycling.
