Emerging trends and future prospects of biofertilizers in sustainable agriculture: A review

Agriculture is a fundamental pillar of global economic development, providing essential food products and natural resources. However, conventional farming practices, heavily reliant on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, have led to significant environmental degradation and health concerns. In the face of a rapidly growing global population—projected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050—ensuring a sustainable and secure food supply has become a critical challenge. Biofertilizers, which consist of beneficial microorganisms that enhance nutrient availability, promote plant growth, and improve soil health, have emerged as a promising alternative to synthetic agrochemicals. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of the current literature on biofertilizers, analyzing their mechanisms of action, including nutrient solubilization, phytohormone production, stress mitigation, and soil microbiome modulation. Key microbial genera such as Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Rhizobium, and Azospirillum, along with fungi and cyanobacteria, are highlighted for their multifunctional roles in improving crop productivity and resilience. The study also discusses the economic and environmental advantages of biofertilizer use, citing significant yield improvements and reductions in chemical input requirements. Despite their potential, widespread adoption of biofertilizers remains limited due to gaps in farmer awareness, field-level validation, and application protocols. Advancements in microbial biotechnology and genomics offer new opportunities for optimizing biofertilizer efficacy. This review aims to guide future research by identifying emerging trends, challenges, and strategies for the effective integration of biofertilizers into sustainable agricultural systems.