Reviving Soils with Bioactive Green Gold: Micronutrient-Enriched Organics for Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract

The declining fertility of agricultural soils and the overreliance on chemical fertilizers have prompted a paradigm shift toward sustainable nutrient management strategies. Bioactive “Green Gold,” organic manures enriched with micronutrients and fortified with beneficial microorganisms, offer a promising solution for revitalizing degraded soils and enhancing crop productivity. This review synthesizes current advancements in the integration of bioinoculants such as phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, zinc-solubilizing bacteria, mycorrhizae, and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) with organic amendments, including compost, farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost, and coir pith. These fortified inputs enhance nutrient solubilization, improve micronutrient availability, stimulate root growth, and foster soil microbial diversity, creating a synergistic effect that supports plant health and resilience. Recent studies have shown that combining biofortified organic inputs with reduced chemical fertilizers can significantly improve crop yields and enhance soil quality. Looking ahead, the development of tailor-made bioactive inputs adapted to specific agro-ecological zones, combined with precision application techniques, can further improve nutrient use efficiency and sustainability. As climate change and soil degradation continue to threaten global food security, the adoption of micronutrient-enriched organic inputs represents a viable, eco-friendly alternative to conventional fertilization, paving the way for resilient and regenerative agricultural systems.

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