Biofertilizers on soil microbial biomass and activity

Abstract

The use of biofertilizers may improve soil microbial properties. However, according to the different composition of biofertilizers the effects may be different. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different types of biofertilizers on soil microbial biomass and enzyme activities. We used three types of biofertilizers: Bio1, Bio2 and Bio3 and two additional treatments with chemical fertilization (NPK) and no fertilization (control). The biofertilizers presented different compositions and affected significantly the soil microbial properties. The application of all biofertilizers increased soil microbial biomass C (SMB-C) and soil respiration as compared with both controls. The highest and lowest values of SMB-C, soil respiration and soil enzymes were found for the biofertilizers Bio1 and Bio3, respectively. The application of biofertilizers increases the soil microbial biomass and activity. However, there are different responses of soil microbial biomass to the different compositions and qualities of biofertilizers. In this study, the biofertilizer Bio1 promoted the best response of soil microbial biomass and activity.