Breaking New Ground: Exploring the Promising Role of Solid-State Fermentation in Harnessing Natural Biostimulants for Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract

Agriculture has been experiencing a difficult situation because of limiting factors in its production processes. Natural biostimulants (NBs) have emerged as a novel alternative. This study reviews NBs produced through solid-state fermentation (SSF) from organic waste, focusing on processes and production methods. The aim is to highlight their potential for improving agricultural productivity and promoting sustainable agriculture. Through a literature review, the effects of NBs on crops were summarized, along with the challenges associated with their production and application. The importance of standardizing production processes, optimizing fermentation conditions, and assessing their effects on different crops is emphasized. Furthermore, future research areas are introduced, such as enhancing production efficiency and evaluating the effectiveness of SSF-produced NBs in different agricultural systems. In conclusion, SSF-produced NBs offer a promising alternative for sustainable agriculture, but further research and development are needed to maximize their efficacy and to enable large-scale implementation.