Advantages of Using the Biofertilizers in Ukrainian Agroecosystems

Abstract

Amid growing problems of excessive application of chemical fertilizers, biofertilizers hold the potential to increase farmers’ current agricultural productivity, while at the same time contributing to the soil’s ability to produce more in the future. This article is part of a larger study conducted by the Université de Montréal in Ukraine with the support of Mitacs and Earth Alive Clean Technologies. The responses of user farmers and non-user farmers of biofertilizers, manufacturers or suppliers of biofertilizers, government officers and research scientists are captured to build understandings of how microbial products (biofertilizers) prove to be advantageous when applied in food crops. The agronomic advantage of biofertilizers compared to conventional chemical fertilizers is well proved biologically and in economic terms. The farmers surveyed showed interests in using biofertilizers in the future, however, both manufacturing and supply of biofertilizers are inadequate compared to the demand of microbial biofertilizers in the country. Yet, the farmers are concerned for supply of quality products have better effectiveness, longer shelf life and lesser costs.

Keywords

• Biofertilizers
• Biologicals
• Fertilizers
• Farmers’ Preference
• Soil Health

References

1. Arjjumend, H., Koutouki, K. and Neufeld, S. 2020. Comparative Advantage of Using the Biofertilizers in Indian Agroecosystems. In press. Arjjumend, H., Neufeld, S., Yargeu, V. & Warren, M. 2017. Reviving Soil Biology and Crop Productivity through New Biofertilizer: Agroecological Performance of Pseudomonas monteilli in Tropical Environments. International Journal of Tropical Agriculture, 35(4), 1235-1247. ISSN: 0254-8755. Available online: https://serialsjournals.com/abstract/34617_63-.pdf