Enhance the productivity of field crops through bio- and organic fertilization as a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers: A Comprehensive review

Abstract

Sustainable agriculture has become a global priority in response to the challenges of climate change, soil degradation, and overreliance on environmentally harmful synthetic chemical fertilizers. Field crop productivity depends heavily on soil fertility and nutrient management, making the search for environmentally friendly alternatives critically important. Biofertilizers and organic fertilization methods have gained considerable attention as viable solutions for promoting crop growth and increasing yields while maintaining ecological balance. Biofertilizers, which include nitrogen-fixing bacteria such as Rhizobium and Azotobacter, phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms, and mycorrhizal fungi, improve nutrient availability and stimulate plant metabolic activities through biological processes. They not only provide essential macro- and micronutrients but also promote root growth, stress tolerance, and overall plant vigor. On the other hand, organic fertilizers derived from compost, animal manure, crop residues, and green manure enrich the soil with organic matter, improve its physical structure, and promote water retention and microbial diversity. When used together, biofertilizers and organic fertilizers create synergistic effects that enhance nutrient cycling, reduce nutrient loss, and support long-term soil fertility. Recent studies have shown that integrated organic biofertilization systems can significantly increase field crop yields, reduce their dependence on chemical inputs, and minimize negative environmental impacts such as greenhouse gas emissions and groundwater pollution. Furthermore, these systems contribute to climate-resilient agriculture by improving soil carbon sequestration and enhancing biodiversity within the soil ecosystem. This review highlights the mechanisms, benefits, and applications of biofertilization and organic fertilization in field crop production, emphasizing their role in sustainable agriculture. Evidence suggests that the adoption of integrated nutrient management strategies combining biofertilizers and organic amendments represents a promising path toward higher productivity, environmental sustainability, and food security in diverse agricultural ecosystems.