THE IMPACT OF BIO-FERTILIZERS ON VEGETABLE CROPS

The growing global demand for safe and sustainable food production has intensified interest in environmentally friendly agricultural inputs. Bio-fertilizers, which are composed of living microorganisms, play a pivotal role in enhancing soil fertility and promoting plant growth through natural processes such as nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, potassium mobilizing bacteria, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria and mycorrhizal fungi. This paper explores the role of bio-fertilizers in the cultivation of vegetable crops, highlighting their effects on crop yield, soil health, nutrient uptake, and resistance to pests and diseases. Various types of bio-fertilizers including Rhizobium, Azotobacter,Azospirillum,and phosphate solubilizing bacteria, Potassium solubilizing bacteria,Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria, Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza are discussed in terms of their mechanisms and effectiveness in different vegetable cropping systems. The integration of bio-fertilizers with conventional fertilizers is also examined as a strategy for sustainable agriculture. The findings suggest that bio-fertilizers not only improve vegetable crop productivity but also contribute to reduced chemical input, lower environmental impact, and long-term soil sustainability. This paper advocates for wider adoption and further research to optimize bio-fertilizer application in vegetable farming systems.