Application of biofertilizers for enhancing beneficial microbiomes in push–pull cropping systems: A review
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Date
2024-09-25
Authors
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Publisher
MDPI
Abstract
The need for sustainable farming practices has brought attention to biofertilizers to improve soil quality and boost crop yield while minimizing environmental impacts. This study explores the potential integration of biofertilizers within push–pull cropping systems, an agroecological approach that utilizes companion cropping to repel and attract pests. This review focuses on how biofertilizers could optimize plant–microbe interactions, promoting nutrient uptake, pest control, and soil health. Key biofertilizers, including nitrogen-fixing, phosphate solubilizing, and potassium-solubilizing bacteria, improve nutrient availability, which leads to higher crop yields and resilience. They also enhance soil water retention and drought tolerance, which are crucial under changing climate conditions. Biofertilizers support beneficial microbial communities, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides while fostering disease suppression and stress tolerance in crops. Their effectiveness can be significantly increased when biofertilizers are integrated with push–pull technology (PPT). However, challenges remain, such as inconsistent biofertilizer performance and the complexity of microbial interactions. Overcoming these challenges necessitates a multidisciplinary approach to refining production and application techniques. This study emphasizes the need to investigate biofertilizer-mediated plant–microbiome dynamics further to unlock their full potential. It concludes that future research should focus on the synergies between biofertilizers and agroecological systems to enhance food security and environmental sustainability. This work advances our understanding of optimizing biofertilizers in sustainable farming practices, particularly within the PPT framework.
Description
Research paper
Keywords
Biofertilizers, Sustainable agriculture, Plant–microbe relationships
Citation
Dzvene, A.R.; Chiduza, C. Application of Biofertilizers for Enhancing Beneficial Microbiomes in Push–Pull Cropping Systems: A Review. Bacteria 2024, 3, 271–286. https://doi.org/10.3390/ bacteria3040018