Microbial Inoculants in Agriculture - A Microbiological Review from A Nigerian Perspective

Abstract

Chemical compounds are absorbed by most crops from the soil. Several synthetic fertilizers contain acid radicals, such as hydrochloride and sulfuric radicals, thus increasing soil acidity and adversely affecting soil and plant health. Some plants can also absorb highly recalcitrant compounds. Continuous consumption of such crops can lead to systematic disorders in humans. A reliable alternative to the use of chemical inputs is microbial inoculants, which can act as biofertilizers, bioherbicides, biopesticides, and biocontrol agents. Microorganisms are capable of promoting plant growth, and controlling pests, diseases, and weeds. Microbial inoculants are beneficial microorganisms applied either to the soil or the plant to improve productivity and crop health. These natural-based products are widely used to control pests and enhance soil and crop quality, thereby benefiting human health. Microbial inoculants consist of a blend of microorganisms that work with the soil and its inhabitants to improve soil fertility and health, ultimately benefiting human health. They have the ability to minimize the negative impact of chemical inputs, thereby increasing the quantity and quality of farm produce. This review paper summarizes the effects of microbial inoculants on agricultural soil in Nigeria by examining relevant works related to the topic. To achieve this, databases such as Google Scholar, Frontier in Microbiology, African Journals Online (AJOL), Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) were explored to identify studies on the effects of microbial inoculants on agricultural soil in Nigeria.