Biofertilizers: A Potential Solution to Improved Soil Biology in the Desert

Biofertilizers are soil biological supplements containing microorganisms in organic media that potentially impact plant growth by improving nutrient availability. These organisms can mobilize nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus by converting them from organic or complex forms (organic nitrogen, calcium-bound phosphates) into more labile inorganic forms (nitrate-nitrogen or orthophosphates) that are readily available to plants. These organisms can also produce chemicals (biomolecules) that promote plant growth. By contributing to improved soil and plant health, biofertilizers may reduce the need for supplemental synthetic fertilizers, which further contributes to soil and environmental health. Excessive use of synthetic fertilizers can lead to increased soil salinity, greenhouse gas emissions, and water pollution. Therefore, effective use of biofertilizers may promote long-term, eco-friendly, sustainable farming practices in arid desert regions by providing ecosystem stability, and minimizing pollution (Giri et al., 2019)