# Revolutionizing Agriculture through Advances in Biofertilizer Formulations and Innovative Application Systems

Ajeet Kumar, Sunita K Meena, Sanjay Kumar Singh, S.K. Sinha

► To cite this version:

Ajeet Kumar, Sunita K Meena, Sanjay Kumar Singh, S.K. Sinha. Revolutionizing Agriculture through Advances in Biofertilizer Formulations and Innovative Application Systems. 2025, pp.156-158. hal-05062703

HAL Id: hal-05062703

https://hal.science/hal-05062703v1

Submitted on 10 May 2025

HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access
archive for the deposit and dissemination of sci-
entific research documents, whether they are pub-
lished or not. The documents may come from
teaching and research institutions in France or
abroad, or from public or private research centers.

L'archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est
destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents
scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non,
émanant des établissements d'enseignement et de
recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires
publics ou privés.

<figure><img src="image_1.png" /></figure>

Distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
# Revolutionizing Agriculture through Advances in Biofertilizer Formulations and Innovative Application Systems

Ajeet Kumar*<fnref n="1" />, Sunita Kumari Meena<fnref n="2" />, Sanjay Kumar Singh<fnref n="3" /> and S.K. Sinha<fnref n="4" />

## Introduction

The agricultural sector is witnessing a transformative shift with the advent of advanced biofertilizer formulations and innovative delivery systems. These cutting-edge technologies are addressing the long-standing limitations of conventional biofertilizers, such as short shelf-life, low microbial viability, and inconsistent field performance. By leveraging novel scientific approaches, researchers are paving the way for more sustainable and efficient agricultural practices. Biofertilizers are evolving with new formulation technologies and delivery systems to enhance microbial survival, efficiency, and field applicability. This article explores cutting-edge advancements in this field.

## Overcoming Conventional Limitations

Traditional biofertilizers, while

beneficial, often face challenges like sensitivity to environmental stresses and poor rhizosphere colonization. These drawbacks have spurred the development of advanced formulation technologies designed to enhance microbial survival and efficacy.

## Breakthroughs in Formulation Technologies

One of the most promising advancements is **encapsulation**, which protects microbial strains from harsh conditions. Techniques such as alginate beads, polymer-based microencapsulation (using materials like chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol), and nano-encapsulation (with silica or lipid nanoparticles) have shown remarkable results. For instance, nano-encapsulation has been reported to improve cell viability by 40-60%. Liquid formulations, including glycerol-based viscous suspensions and oil-based emulsions,

Ajeet Kumar*<fnref n="1" />, Sunita Kumari Meena<fnref n="2" />, Sanjay Kumar Singh<fnref n="3" /> and S.K. Sinha<fnref n="4" />

<footnote n="1">¹Assistant Professor-cum-Scientist (Soil Science-Soil Microbiology), Department of microbiology, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur)-848125, Bihar</footnote>

<footnote n="2">²Assistant Professor, Department of Soil Science, Sugarcane Research Institute, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur)-848125, Bihar</footnote>

<footnote n="3">³Assistant Professor, Department of Soil Science, TCA Dholi, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur)-848125, Bihar</footnote>

<footnote n="4">⁴Associate Professor (Soil Science), Regional Research Station, Madhopur, West Champaran, Bihar</footnote>
are extending shelf-life and safeguarding microbes from desiccation. Cryoprotectants like trehalose and skim milk are also being incorporated to enhance the stability of freeze-dried cultures. Solid matrix carriers, such as biochar, vermicompost, and clay-polymer composites, offer additional benefits. Biochar's high porosity improves microbial retention, while vermicompost provides supplementary nutrients, creating a more conducive environment for microbial activity.

## Innovative Application Systems

The application of biofertilizers has also seen significant innovations. Seed treatment technologies, like polymer-based film coatings and bio-priming (hydration-dehydration with microbes), ensure targeted delivery and improved germination rates. For soil application, granular formulations and biofertilizer tablets enable slow-release mechanisms and precision dosing, reducing waste and enhancing efficiency. Foliar application systems, such as nanogel sprays and phyllosphere colonizers, are opening new avenues for delivering microbes directly to plant leaves, further optimizing nutrient uptake.

## Emerging Technologies and Future Prospects

The horizon of biofertilizer technology is expanding with ground breaking innovations. CRISPR-edited microbial strains

are being engineered for enhanced stress tolerance, while microbial consortia-combinations of synergistic strains-are delivering multifunctional benefits. Smart hydrogels, which release microbes in response to moisture, are proving invaluable for drought-prone regions. Additionally, biodegradable edible coatings made from starch are emerging as eco-friendly alternatives for seed delivery.

## Case studies

Case studies highlight the real-world impact of these advancements. For example, Nano-Rhizobium developed by IARI, India, has demonstrated an 80% increase in soybean nodulation and a six-month extension in shelf-life. Similarly, Israel's Phospho-Gel, which incorporates phosphate-solubilizing bacteria in a hydrogel, has reduced the need for conventional phosphate fertilizers by 30%. Looking ahead, the integration of AI for designing microbial consortia, 3D-printed biofertilizer capsules, drone-assisted precision delivery, and blockchain-enabled quality tracking promises to further revolutionize the field. These technologies not only enhance efficiency but also align with global sustainability goals.

## Conclusion

The advancements in biofertilizer formulations and delivery systems mark a significant leap forward in agricultural science.
Emerging Technologies

<table><thead><tr><td>Technology</td><td>Mechanism</td><td>Advantage</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>CRISPR-edited Strains</td><td>Enhanced stress tolerance genes</td><td>Better field survival</td></tr><tr><td>Microbial Consortia</td><td>Multiple synergistic strains</td><td>Multifunctional benefits</td></tr><tr><td>Smart Hydrogels</td><td>Moisture-responsive release</td><td>Drought adaptation</td></tr><tr><td>Edible Coatings</td><td>Starch-based seed films</td><td>Biodegradable delivery</td></tr></tbody></table>

By overcoming the limitations of traditional methods, these innovations are ensuring higher microbial viability, precision application, and improved crop yields. As research continues to push boundaries, the future of biofertilizers holds immense potential for fostering sustainable and resilient farming practices worldwide

## Future Perspectives

The future of agriculture is set to be transformed through the synergistic integration of advanced technologies into biofertilizer development and application systems. AI-designed microbial consortia promise to optimize plant-microbe interactions by intelligently selecting and engineering microbial communities tailored to specific crops, soils, and environmental conditions. In parallel, the emergence of 3D-printed biofertilizer capsules offers unprecedented control over the encapsulation and timed release of beneficial microbes, enhancing their survival and effectiveness in the field. Drone-assisted precision delivery systems further revolutionize application practices by enabling site-specific deployment of biofertilizers with

minimal waste and maximum efficiency, addressing spatial variability within agricultural landscapes. Complementing these innovations, block chain-enabled quality tracking introduces a transparent, tamper-proof method for monitoring the production, distribution, and performance of biofertilizers, ensuring trust and accountability across the supply chain. Together, these advancements

herald a new era of sustainable, high-efficiency agriculture, where cutting-edge science and technology converge to meet global food security challenges.

NEW ERA AGRICULTURE MAGAZINE