Biofertilizer science and practice for agriculture and forestry: A review

Abstract

Feeding the world with good agricultural and forestry practices is becoming a challenge and researchers are working on different approaches to find the most ecofriendly solution. Chemical fertilizers are increasingly being used, despite the fact that their intensive use has proven to have a harmful effect on soil, water, the environment, and, ultimately, plants and humans’ health. Biofertilizer has been considered a better option than other conventional fertilizers since it contains a typical population of helpful microorganisms that provide nutrients to the soil required by the plant without destroying the precious environment. However, in terms of understanding their proper mechanisms and importance for sustainable farming, efficient knowledge of microorganism-based biofertilizers remains in the shadows. This study aims to explore the different challenges faced regarding microorganism-based biofertilizer use in agriculture and forestry. It will support the overcoming of identified challenges and increase farmers’ acceptance as the main option to provide the required nutrition for the soil to obtain better quality and a higher quantity of agricultural products. Overall, priority should be given to developing advanced technology and proper storage mechanisms, distribution mechanisms, and subsidies in order to gain popularity and reliability. This article is timely because biofertilizers are currently undergoing manufacture and application; now is the time to identify challenges and solutions for research and development.