# FCO specifications of biofertilizers

Ajeet Kumar

► To cite this version:

Ajeet Kumar. FCO specifications of biofertilizers. Master. Biopesticide and Biofertilizer (Elective course), Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Samastipur, India. 2025, pp.1-4. hal-05267102

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Submitted on 18 Sep 2025

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Distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University
Pusa (Samastipur)-Bihar- 848125

A study Material

On

FCO (Fertilizer Control Order) Specifications of
Biofertilizers

<figure><img src="image_2.png" /></figure>

COURSE TITLE: Bio-pesticides and Bio-fertilizers

*(Elective course)

COURSE NO.: ASS-307

CREDIT HOUR: 3 (2+1)

YEAR/SEMESTER: 3rd YEAR /6th SEMESTER

Dr. AJEET KUMAR

Assistant Professor-cum-Scientist

Department of Microbiology

Collage of Basic Sciences and Humanities (CBS&H),

Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur)

2025
# FCO (Fertilizer Control Order) Specifications of Biofertilizers

Dr. AJEET KUMAR<fnref n="1" />

## 1. Introduction

The Fertilizer Control Order (FCO), 1985, regulates the quality, production, and distribution of fertilizers in India, including biofertilizers. The FCO ensures that biofertilizers meet minimum microbial and physical standards for efficacy and safety.

**Learning Objectives:**

* ✓ Understand the FCO guidelines for biofertilizers.

* ✓ Learn the microbial and carrier specifications.

* ✓ Discuss labeling, packaging, and storage requirements.

## 2. Importance of FCO Specifications

* ✓ Ensures **minimum viable microbial count** for effectiveness.

* ✓ Prevents **substandard or contaminated products** in the market.

* ✓ Standardizes **production, testing, and labeling** for farmer trust.

## 3. FCO-Approved Biofertilizers & Their Specifications

### A. Bacterial Biofertilizers

<table><thead><tr><td>Biofertilizer</td><td>Microorganism</td><td>Minimum Viable Cells</td><td>Contamination Limit</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Rhizobium</td><td>Rhizobium spp.</td><td>1 × 10<sup>9</sup> CFU/g</td><td>No contamination at 10<sup>-6</sup> dilution</td></tr><tr><td>Azotobacter</td><td>Azotobacter spp.</td><td>1 × 10<sup>8</sup> CFU/g</td><td>No contamination at 10<sup>-6</sup> dilution</td></tr><tr><td>Azospirillum</td><td>Azospirillum spp.</td><td>1 × 10<sup>8</sup> CFU/g</td><td>No contamination at 10<sup>-6</sup> dilution</td></tr><tr><td>Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria</td><td>Bacillus, Pseudomonas</td><td>1 × 10<sup>8</sup> CFU/g</td><td>No contamination at 10<sup>-6</sup> dilution</td></tr></tbody></table>

<footnote n="1">¹ Assistant Professor-cum-Scientist (Soil Science-Soil Microbiology); Department of Microbiology, Collage of Basic Sciences and Humanities (CBS&H), RPCAU, Pusa (Samastipur)-848125, Bihar
E-mail: ajeetrau@gmail.com; ajeetrpcau@gmail.com</footnote>
<table><thead><tr><th>Biofertilizer</th><th>Microorganism</th><th>Minimum Viable Cells</th><th>Contamination Limit</th></tr></thead></table>

(PSB)

## B. Fungal Biofertilizers

<table><thead><tr><th>Biofertilizer</th><th>Microorganism</th><th>Minimum Viable Cells</th><th>Contamination Limit</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Phosphate-Solubilizing Fungi (PSF)</td><td>Aspergillus, Penicillium</td><td>1 × 10<sup>8</sup> CFU/g</td><td>No contamination at 10<sup>-6</sup> dilution</td></tr><tr><td>Mycorrhiza (AMF)</td><td>Glomus, Gigaspora</td><td>100 propagules/g</td><td>No contamination at 10<sup>-6</sup> dilution</td></tr></tbody></table>

## C. Carrier-Based vs. Liquid Biofertilizers

* ✓ **Carrier-based (Solid):** Peat, lignite, or charcoal (pH 6.5-7.5, moisture <30%).

* ✓ **Liquid Formulations:** Must maintain 1 × 10<sup>8</sup> CFU/mL for 6 months.

## 4. Physical & Chemical Specifications (FCO Guidelines)

* ✓ **Moisture Content:** ≤30-40% (carrier-based).

* ✓ **pH:** 6.5-7.5 (neutral range for microbial survival).

* ✓ **Particle Size:** 90% should pass through 150-212 µm sieve.

* ✓ **Contaminants:**

* o No pathogenic bacteria (e.g., E. coli, Salmonella).

* o Heavy metals (As, Cd, Pb) within permissible limits.

## 5. Labeling & Packaging Requirements (FCO Compliance)

### Mandatory Information:

* Name of biofertilizer & strain (e.g., Rhizobium leguminosarum).

* CFU count at production & expiry date.

* Batch number, manufacturing date, and expiry (shelf life: 6-12 months).

* Storage instructions (e.g., "Store in cool, dry place").

### Prohibited Claims:

* False promises (e.g., "100% yield increase").

* Unapproved microbial strains.
**6. Quality Control & Testing Methods**

* **Serial Dilution & Plate Count:** To check CFU/g.

* **PCR & DNA Sequencing:** For strain authentication.

* **Field Trials:** To validate performance under different agro-climatic conditions.

**7. Recent Amendments & Challenges**

* **New Additions (2023):** *Trichoderma* (biocontrol agent) included under FCO.

**Challenges:**

* Adulteration with inert materials.

* Poor shelf life due to improper storage.

**8. Case Study: Impact of FCO Regulations**

* **Before FCO:** Inconsistent biofertilizer quality → low farmer trust.

* **After FCO:** Standardized products → increased adoption in organic farming.

**9. Conclusion**

FCO specifications ensure **quality, efficacy, and safety** of biofertilizers. Compliance is essential for sustainable agriculture and reducing chemical fertilizer dependency.

**10. Discussion Questions**

* Why is a **minimum CFU count** necessary for biofertilizers?

* How does **carrier material** affect microbial survival?

* What improvements can be made in FCO regulations for better enforcement?

**11. References**

* **Fertilizer Control Order (FCO), 1985** (Amended 2023).

* **BIS Standards (IS 8268:2015)** for microbial inoculants.

* Kumar, R. (2020). *Biofertilizers: Science & Technology*. TERI Press.