BIOFERTILIZERS are the most promising substitute for urea, an inorganic fertilizer with a high nitrogen concentrations. More than 40 microorganisms are used to produce biofertilizers but the most promising one is a bacterium called Azospirillum.

Azospirillum is a nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Nitrogen is needed by plants to promote growth, boost yield and enhance stress tolerance. Palay (unmilled rice) particularly needs a healthy dose of it in order for the grain to fully develop inside the husk, increase yield and strengthen the stalk that holds the grain.