Biofertilizer as Panacea to Agricultural Pollution

Abstract

The excessive usage of chemical fertilizers, containing heavy metals and radionuclides, has resulted in severe consequences that disrupt the ecological balance of the environment. This, in turn, poses life-threatening risks to plants, animals, and humans. Indiscriminate application of fertilizers to the soil leads to soil pollution, causing acidification, erosion, infertility, and ultimately, reduced crop yields. To address these issues, a global shift towards sustainable agricultural practices has emerged, with biofertilizers leading the way as the best alternative to chemical fertilizers. Biofertilizers consist of microorganisms inoculated in carriers, which can be applied directly to plant roots and leaves or to the soil. These microorganisms, such as Rhizobium, Pseudomonas, Lactobacillus, Enterobacter, Azospirillium, Azotobacter, Trichoderma, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and cyanobacteria, serve as beneficial biofertilizers. The unique capabilities of these microorganisms include atmospheric nitrogen fixation, inorganic phosphate solubilization, stress alleviation in plants, and imparting disease resistance, among other functions. Notably, biofertilizers have demonstrated tremendous potential in bioremediation efforts to restore polluted soils. Aside from their eco-friendly nature, biofertilizers are also cost-effective and simple to process. Additionally, they exhibit several beneficial effects on plant crops, contributing to healthier and more sustainable agricultural practices.