Role of Bacillus Species in Sustainable Crop Production: A Review

The excessive reliance on chemical fertilisers in modern agriculture has led to adverse environmental impacts, including soil degradation, groundwater contamination, and biodiversity loss. Sustainable alternatives are urgently needed, with biofertilizers offering a promising solution. In this context, Bacillus species, widely recognised as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), has gained considerable attention for agricultural applications. Bacillus spp. produce a variety of compounds that enhance plant growth and act as biocontrol agents against plant pathogens, positioning them as valuable assets in both agricultural and biotechnological fields. These bacteria exhibit antagonistic properties through the secretion of extracellular metabolites, such as antibiotics, cell wall-degrading enzymes, and siderophores, which inhibit pathogen development. Additionally, Bacillus spp. trigger systemic resistance in plants, bolstering defence mechanisms against various pathogens. Beyond their role in biocontrol, Bacillus spp. support plant growth by facilitating nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilisation, phytohormone production, and stress tolerance. They also contribute to rhizoremediation and carbon sequestration, promoting soil health and resilience. This multifaceted functionality underscores the significance of Bacillus spp. as biofertilizers, highlighting their potential to foster sustainable agricultural practices and ecological stability