The Use of Microbial Inoculants in Crop Production for Food Security Sustainability

Abstract

Increasing human population, war, climate change, herdsmen-farmers clashes, banditry, terrorism, political unrest affected crop production negatively. These factors widen the gap between food production supply and its demand. In an attempt to fill this gap, agrochemicals were used to increase crop yield to meet the food demand of the ever-increasing population. Agrochemical’s introduction was accepted initially due to their quick and nonspecific actions. Decades later, these agrochemicals begin to pose threats to human and livestock health, causing land degradation, ecosystem imbalance, reduction in soil fertility and productivity. To avert the negative effects of agrochemicals on food and feed products, soil, water quality, and the environment. The use of a safe and eco-friendly alternative was developed. Microbial inoculants serve to be the best substitute for agrochemicals with substantial benefits in sustainable crop production and environmental sustainability. This review aims at updating available information on the benefits of using microbial inoculants in boosting crop production and the strategies to adopt for its effectiveness.

Unveiling the Roles of Microorganisms in Promoting Environmental Sustainability

“…Microorganisms, such as microbial inoculants, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, mycorrhizal fungi, and beneficial soil microorganisms, can be used to improve agricultural productivity and food security. These microorganisms provide various benefits, including enhancing crop growth and yield, managing abiotic and biotic stress, preventing phytopathogen attacks, promoting plant growth and crop quality, and improving soil fertility and productivity (Agbowuro et al, 2021;Sundh et al, 2021). They can also contribute to biological pest and disease control, biodegradation of organic matter and pollutants, and the improvement of soil fertility and plant development (Fasusi et al, 2021;Gondal, Farooq, et al, 2021).…”

A Comparative Analysis of Microbe-Based Technologies Developed at ICAR-NBAIM Against Erysiphe necator Causing Powdery Mildew Disease in Grapes (Vitis vinifera L.)

“…However, very few microbe-based products/technologies are available in the market for wider applicability in the Indian subcontinent and abroad to control grape powdery mildew in the organic viticulture (Compant et al, 2013 ; Moyer et al, 2016 ; Cangi et al, 2018 ; Malićanin et al, 2020 ). Due to a lack of information in the scientific literature on the availability and effectivity of microbial inoculants, agronomists and vine growers are often not aware of these new products and the impact they can have indirectly on the quality of grapes (Lu W. et al, 2020 ; Agbowuro et al, 2021 ; Steiner et al, 2021 ).…”