Potential Status of Microbial Fertilizer Applications in Turkey

Abstract

With the world's population expanding and available agricultural land dwindling, agriculture is undergoing significant changes. The traditional focus on maximizing food production through intensive chemical input usage has given way to a 21st-century emphasis on "quality production" that aims to balance food production with environmental sustainability. This shift has been driven by the adverse environmental effects of indiscriminate chemical input usage and the potential genetic consequences of genetic science applications in agriculture. Organic farming has gained traction as a more environmentally friendly alternative, banning chemical inputs and promoting natural farming methods. Furthermore, biofertilizers have emerged as a promising solution to enhance soil fertility and crop productivity in a sustainable manner. These biofertilizers are reported to not only reduce the need for chemical fertilizers but also mitigate environmental pollution. However, despite their potential benefits, the commercialization of biofertilizers faces practical challenges, including mass production, shelf life, and variability in performance across different soil and crop types. As the world seeks sustainable agricultural practices to meet growing food demands, biofertilizers represent a promising avenue but require further research and development to realize their full potential.