The Role of Biofertilizers and Mycorrhizae in Enhancing Crop Productivity

Abstract

In recent years, sustainable agriculture has become an essential focus for researchers and practitioners, driven by the need to enhance crop productivity while preserving soil health. Both biofertilizers and mycorrhizal fungi have emerged as pivotal agents in this transition toward environmentally friendly farming practices. Biofertilizers, consisting of living microorganisms, facilitate nutrient availability and organic matter buildup, whereas mycorrhizal fungi, particularly arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), form symbiotic relationships with plant roots to improve water uptake and nutrient absorption. This paper presents a comprehensive study aimed at agricultural science students, critically examining the mechanisms by which these biological agents contribute to soil fertility and crop yield enhancement. By synthesizing evidence from meta-analyses and field studies, this research discusses how both biofertilizers and mycorrhizae bolster root development, suppress soil-borne pathogens, and improve soil structure. The paper follows the standard research structure including sections on Introduction, Literature Review, Materials and Methods, Results, Discussion, and Conclusion. The implications of integrating these biological components into conventional agricultural practices are highlighted, particularly in the context of sustainable farming and reduced reliance on chemical fertilizers. The study underscores the synergistic effects of combining biofertilizers with mycorrhizal inoculation, offering insights into best practices and future research directives for graduate students in agricultural science.