ROLE OF BIOFERTILIZERS IN SUSTAINABLE CROP PRODUCTION AND SOIL FERTILITY ENHANCEMENT: A REVIEW

The increasing demand for agricultural production has led to excessive use of chemical fertilizers, resulting in soil degradation, environmental pollution, and declining soil fertility. Biofertilizers have emerged as eco-friendly alternatives that improve nutrient availability, enhance soil microbial activity, and support sustainable crop production. Biofertilizers contain beneficial microorganisms capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen, solubilizing phosphorus, and promoting plant growth through various biological mechanisms. This review examines the importance of biofertilizers in modern agriculture, their classification, mechanisms of action, benefits, limitations, and future prospects. The findings indicate that biofertilizers can significantly improve soil health, crop productivity, and environmental sustainability while reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers. Their integration into agricultural systems represents an important strategy for achieving sustainable food security and ecological balance.