EXPLORING THE ROLE OF BIOFERTILIZERS IN ENHANCING SOIL HEALTH AND SUPPORTING SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW
ABSTRACT
Biofertilizers are sustainable and environmentally friendly substitutes for chemical fertilizers, designed toenhance soil health and crop productivity. They are formulated using beneficial microorganisms thatnaturally provide essential nutrients to plants through processes such as nitrogen fixation, phosphorussolubilization, and growth hormone production. These biofertilizers not only support healthy plantdevelopment but also help crops withstand various biotic and abiotic stresses. Unlike chemical fertilizers,which are costly, environmentally damaging, and detrimental to soil fertility over time, biofertilizers offer along-term solution by enriching the soil without causing ecological harm. By addressing global agriculturalchallenges like soil degradation, salinity, drought, and plant diseases, biofertilizers play a vital role in meetingthe rising demand for food while promoting sustainable farming practices. This review explores types ofbiofertilizers and their role, their significant nutrients for various crops, needs and benefits of biofertilizersand their pivotal contribution to enhancing soil health and driving sustainable agricultural production.