Biofertilizers: A Sustainable Path to Soil Health

Nidhi Mahesh Kondaguli, Gururaj Dasannavar, Ankita S Bellundagi, Bharathi M and Gowtham K M

Abstract

Soil health determines the efficacy of sustainable agriculture, since decades of intensive farming and excessive chemical fertilizer use have detoriated soil fertility, biodiversity, and natural nutrient cycles. Biofertilizers present a promising and eco-friendly solution to restore this balance. Derived from beneficial microorganisms, biofertilizers enhance nutrient availability by fixing nitrogen present in atmosphere, solubilizing phosphorus, mobilizing potassium, and stimulating root growth through natural biological processes. Unlike synthetic fertilizers, they work by strengthening plant–microbe interactions and improving soil microbial and biological activity rather than directly supplying nutrients. This article explores the different types of biofertilizers, including nitrogen-fixing bacteria, phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms, mycorrhizae, cyanobacteria, and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, along with their mechanisms of action and practical application methods. It highlights their role in optimising soil structure, increasing crop productivity, reducing environmental pollution, and lowering input costs for farmers. While challenges such as storage stability and field variability exist, advancements in microbial research are expanding their potential. By improving soil life and promoting long-term fertility, biofertilizers offer a sustainable pathway toward resilient farming systems and future food security.