Inoculation with microorganisms

Soil microbial inoculants are microorganisms that are used as sustainable alternatives to conventional inorganic fertilizers (biofertilizers), carry out specific functions including biocontrol of pests and diseases (biopesticides), or are used for bioremediation and enhancement of soil characteristics. Some soil inoculants such as nitrogen-fixing rhizobia have a long and successful history of use, but many new products perform inconsistently in the field. Better understanding of how soil inoculants interact with plants and the soil environment is helping to improve their effectiveness, as is the development of improved formulations and delivery systems.