Biomedical Strategies in Sustainable Agriculture: The Role of Biofertilizers, Bio-stimulants, and Microbial Dynamics in Crop Productivity and Public Health

Abstract

Modern sustainable agriculture increasingly depends on innovative, environmentally responsible practices that boost crop yields while protecting ecological integrity and human health. This study investigates biomedical approaches such as, the use of biofertilizers, bio-stimulants, and the strategic management of soil microbial communities as key components of resilient and sustainable farming systems. These biological inputs present a sustainable alternative to conventional agrochemicals by enhancing plant development, restoring soil health, and reducing environmental contamination. This study employes a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating replicated field experiments across diverse cropping systems (maize, rice, and tomato), alongside laboratory-based microbial analyses and high-throughput metagenomic sequencing. Treatments consisted of consistent applications of biofertilizers (including nitrogen-fixing and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria) and bio-stimulants (such as seaweed extracts, humic substances, and amino acid blends). Soil and plant samples were systematically collected to evaluate the changes in microbial diversity, nutrient absorption, plant physiological traits, and yield outcomes. Public health assessments included screening for pathogenic organisms and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) using quantitative PCR and advanced bioinformatics tools. Findings revealed notable improvements in crop productivity, with yield enhancements ranging from 18% to 27% compared to traditional fertilizer applications. A rich diversity of beneficial microbes particularly Rhizobium, Azospirillum and Bacillus species were associated with improved nutrient transformation and greater plant resilience. Bio-stimulant treatments also led to increased chlorophyll levels, enhanced root development, and better tolerance to abiotic stress. Importantly, the biological treatments did not contribute to elevated levels of ARGs or harmful pathogens, confirming their safety for public health. Integrating biofertilizers and bio-stimulants with a focus on microbial ecosystem management offers a powerful biomedical strategy for fostering sustainable agriculture. These methods deliver dual advantages: improving crop performance while reducing the environmental and health hazards posed by synthetic chemicals. Further studies are recommended to refine these inputs for varied agroecological conditions and to assess their long-term sustainability.