Influence of bio-fertilizer application on growth, physiological performance and sustainable cultivation of basil
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29070/0t5dxd15Keywords:
Bio-fertilizers, Ocimum basilicum, Basil, Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria, Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, Physiological Performance, Sustainable Cultivation, Nutrient-Use Efficiency, soil health, essential oilsAbstract
The increasing ecological consequences associated with intensive use of synthetic fertilizers have encouraged the search for biologically based nutrient-management strategies capable of maintaining crop productivity while preserving soil health. Bio-fertilizers, consisting primarily of beneficial microorganisms that improve nutrient availability and plant–soil interactions, have emerged as promising inputs for sustainable agriculture. Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), an important aromatic, culinary and medicinal plant, responds considerably to nutrient availability and environmental conditions, making biological nutrient management particularly relevant to its cultivation. The present article critically examines the influence of bio-fertilizer application on the growth, physiological performance and sustainable cultivation of basil. Particular emphasis is placed on plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, nitrogen-fixing microorganisms, phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. These microorganisms may enhance nutrient acquisition through biological nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, mineral mobilization and improved root exploration, while also influencing phytohormonal activity, photosynthetic performance, water relations and plant responses to environmental stress. Available research on basil indicates that appropriate microbial inoculation can improve plant height, root development, branching, fresh and dry biomass, nutrient accumulation and essential-oil characteristics. Nevertheless, bio-fertilizer performance varies according to microbial strain, basil genotype, soil properties, environmental conditions, formulation and management practices. From a sustainability perspective, bio-fertilizers can contribute to reduced dependence on excessive synthetic fertilizer inputs, improved nutrient-use efficiency, preservation of soil biological activity and development of more resilient cultivation systems. International developments in microbial biotechnology, microbiome research and precision agriculture further expand their future potential. The article concludes that bio-fertilizers should be incorporated into integrated nutrient-management systems rather than regarded as universal substitutes for conventional fertilizers. Future research should prioritize basil-specific microbial consortia, physiological and molecular investigations, multi-location field trials, essential-oil quality, climate-stress resilience and digitally assisted precision bio-fertilization.
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