Published Paper Details:

The increasing urgency to transition toward environmentally sustainable agriculture has directed scientific and commercial focus toward the development of advanced biofertilizer formulations and biostimulants. Traditional chemical fertilizers, while effective in boosting crop yields, are associated with long-term ecological consequences including soil nutrient depletion, water pollution, and loss of microbial diversity. As the global agricultural industry pivots toward sustainability, there is growing interest in new-generation biofertilizers and biostimulants that are efficient, eco-friendly, and adaptable to different agro-climatic conditions. This review highlights the recent innovations in biofertilizer formulation technologies and the expanding role of both microbial and non-microbial biostimulants in promoting sustainable farming. Biofertilizers, which consist of living microorganisms such as Rhizobium, Azospirillum, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas, have long been used for their abilities to fix atmospheric nitrogen, solubilize phosphates, and produce growth-promoting hormones. However, the conventional forms of these products--typically carrier-based powders or granules--suffer from drawbacks such as short shelf-life, sensitivity to environmental stress, and poor root colonization. To address these limitations, new formulation strategies have been introduced, including nano-encapsulation, polymer-based coatings, and biofilm-based delivery systems. These approaches significantly enhance the survivability, colonization efficiency, and controlled release of microbial inoculants in the rhizosphere. Simultaneously, biostimulants--substances that enhance plant growth without being direct nutrient sources--have gained attention for their ability to improve crop tolerance to abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and temperature fluctuations. These include microbial biostimulants like PGPR and non-microbial sources such as seaweed extracts, humic and fulvic acids, amino acids, protein hydrolysates, and botanical extracts (e.g., moringa and neem). The review discusses how these compounds stimulate plant metabolic processes, enhance nutrient uptake, and improve overall plant vigor and productivity. Furthermore, there is a notable trend toward the development of combination products that integrate microbial biofertilizers with non-microbial biostimulants. These integrated formulations provide synergistic effects--offering the benefits of nutrient solubilization, hormone production, stress tolerance, and enhanced soil health in a single application. Innovations in liquid biofertilizers, nano-biofertilizers, and shelf-stable inoculants are making these products more accessible and user-friendly for farmers. In addition to formulation, the review also covers industry-relevant aspects such as quality control standards, regulatory policies, and the scalability of new technologies. Advances in molecular tools, AI-driven optimization, and field validation methods are also discussed as enablers of rapid product development and adoption. The success of these innovations, however, depends on farmer education, field-level trials, and supportive policy ecosystems.In conclusion, the convergence of microbiology, nanotechnology, and plant physiology is driving a new era of sustainable input development. By harnessing the power of nature through scientific innovation, next-generation biofertilizers and biostimulants offer a path forward for climate-resilient, low-input agriculture. Their successful implementation not only addresses the limitations of chemical fertilizers but also contributes to restoring soil health, increasing productivity, and aligning agriculture with global sustainability goals.