Fertilizers are food supplements for plants. To increase the soil’s fertility, and improve the yield and the production of nutrient-rich crops, fertilizers are added to the soil. In general, these fertilizers can either be obtained naturally or artificially prepared for enhanced productivity of the yields.

1. Difference between biofertilizers
and chemical fertilizers
Fertilizers are food supplements for plants. To increase the soil’s fertility, and improve the yield
and the production of nutrient-rich crops, fertilizers are added to the soil. In general, these
fertilizers can either be obtained naturally or artificially prepared for enhanced productivity of the
yields.
These fertilizers are classified into bio-fertilizers and chemical fertilizers based on the
composition and type of materials used.

2. What is a biofertilizer?
Biofertilizers mainly comprise plant remains, some unique species of microbes
and other organic matter, which contain the essential nutrients required for
the growth of the plants. Biofertilizers are environment-friendly, serve as a
good source of nutrients, improve the soil texture, destroy disease-causing
pathogenic components and also help to retain soil fertility.
Overall, biofertilizers serve as a good source of nutrients required for the
benefit of plants to improve plant productivity and healthier crops.
Acetobacter and Rhizobium are two widely used bio-fertilizers.

3. What is Chemical Fertilizer?
Chemical fertilizers or synthetic fertilizers are added to crops in order to enrich
the soil with nutrients such as Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium. This
increase the fertility of the soil which leads to healthier, bigger and faster
crops.

4. Biofertilizer and Chemical Fertilizer – Comparisons
Biofertilizer Chemical fertilizer
Definition
They are composed of natural materials that are extracted
from animals, plants and vegetable waste materials.
They are composed of non-organic and artificially cultivated
elements.
Time of Action
Requires more time for the nutrients of these fertilizers to
reach the plant.
Work faster than organic fertilizers as they get immediately
dissolved in water and supply nutrients to plants.
Type of Resources
Renewable source. Non-renewable source.

5. Shelf-Life
Shorter shelf life. Longer shelf life.
Soil Life
Makes the soil healthier and more fertile. Soil life will not be enriched or stimulated.
Soil Compaction
Biofertilizers ensure an airy soil structure. Chemical fertilizers lead to soil acidification.
Salt Content
Biofertilizers do not contain sodium salts. Chemical fertilizers are very salty.
Effect on the Environment
It is biodegradable, sustainable, and environmentally
friendly.
Repeated applications affect microbial ecosystems and
the soil’s pH, a toxic buildup of chemicals in the soil.
Distribution of Nutrients
Have unequal distribution of essential nutrients. Have equal distribution of essential nutrients.
Nitrogen-fixing Bacteria
Supports the growth of nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Destroys the growth of the nitrogen-fixing bacteria as it
contains high acid content.

6. NPK Ratio – Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium Ratio
Very Low. High.
Cost of Fertilizers
It is more expensive compared to chemical
fertilizers.
It is less expensive compared to bio-fertilizers.
Equipment and Techniques
It is not required as the biofertilizers are
prepared manually.
Requires special techniques and equipment.
Examples
Manure, sewage sludge, vermicompost Ammonium sulphate, ammonium phosphate,
ammonium nitrate, urea, ammonium chloride
and the like.