Biofertiliser

noun (countable and uncountable)

/ˌbaɪoʊˈfɜːrtɪˌlaɪzər/

A substance containing living micro-organisms — such as nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Rhizobium) or phosphate-solubilising fungi — that, when applied to seeds, plant surfaces, or soil, enhances nutrient availability and promotes plant growth.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

To reconcile food security with ecological prudence, the government has incentivised the use of biofertilisers, which restore the soil's natural nutrient cycle and reduce farmers' dependence on subsidised chemical fertilisers that strain both the exchequer and the environment.

Synonyms

biological fertilisermicrobial inoculantbiological inoculantorganic fertilisergreen manuresoil inoculant

Antonyms

chemical fertilisersynthetic fertiliserinorganic fertiliseragrochemical

🌱 Word Family

biofertiliser (n), biofertilisers (n pl), biofertilization (n), bio-fertilise (v)

🔡 Root

Greek bios = life; bio- = life-prefix; fertiliser from Latin fertilis = fruitful, from ferre = to bear

📜 Etymology

Contraction of biological fertiliser; bio- from Greek bios ("life").

🧠 Memory Hook

Bio (life) + fertiliser: a fertiliser that is alive — tiny living microbes feeding the soil, the opposite of a lifeless chemical bag.

🔬 Science & Technology 📖 Seen in: Biotechnology — GM Crops, CRISPR, Regu...

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