
APLICACIÓN DE MICROORGANISMOS FIJADORES DE NITRÓGENO (RHIZOBIUM, AZOSPIRILLUM, AZOTOBACTER)
Nitrogen-fixing microorganisms - How they work and how they help control nitrogen deficiencies
How do they operate?
How to encourage their presence?
To maintain and increase the population of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms in the soil, simple and natural practices can be followed:
• Add organic matter (compost, worm castings), which serves as food for them and improves soil structure.
• Avoid deep tillage, so as not to destroy the microorganisms and their habitats.
• Maintain constant moisture, as many of these microbes need slightly humid environments to live.
• Introduce leguminous plants, which attract symbiotic bacteria such as Rhizobium.
• Reduce the use of chemical nitrogen fertilizers, because in excess they decrease nitrogen-fixing activity as the plant no longer needs nitrogen.
• Avoid harsh fungicides in the soil, which can eliminate beneficial bacteria.
• Maintain the soil pH between 6 and 7, the range in which these microorganisms work best.
These practices strengthen microbial life, making the soil more fertile and self-sufficient.
How to apply them?
If you decide to use commercial products based on nitrogen-fixing microorganisms, it is important to apply them correctly to ensure their survival and establishment in the soil.
• Application method:
The products usually come in liquid or powder form with live microorganisms. They are applied directly to the soil, around the root zone, or through irrigation, so that the microorganisms come into contact with the root zone.
• When to apply them:
Ideally, they should be applied at the beginning of the plant's growth or right after transplanting, when the roots are active and can quickly form symbiotic relationships.
They can also be applied to poor soils to repopulate the beneficial microbiota.
• How to apply them:
- Dilute the product in water following the manufacturer's dosage instructions.
- Apply to the soil through irrigation or drenching (soaking the base of the plant).
- Avoid applying in direct sunlight or during periods of extreme heat to prevent damaging the microorganisms. - Do not mix with strong chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or chlorinated water, as these can kill the microbes.
- After application, keep the soil moist for a few days to encourage establishment.
• Why they work:
Once established in the roots or soil, they begin to continuously fix atmospheric nitrogen, improving plant nutrition and reducing deficiencies. Their effect can last for weeks or even months if soil conditions are good.





