BIOSTIMULANTS AND SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

Abstract

Modern agriculture faces the challenge of increasing productivity while preserving natural resources and reducing environmental impacts. Biostimulants have attracted increasing attention as environmentally friendly tools for improving crop productivity, nutrient use efficiency, stress tolerance, and the sustainability of agricultural systems. The aim of this paper is to review the potential applications of biostimulants in modern agriculture, with particular emphasis on beneficial microorganisms and their role in stimulating plant growth, improving nutrient uptake, increasing tolerance to adverse environmental conditions, and supporting sustainable crop production. A review of the relevant scientific literature on biostimulants was conducted, with particular emphasis on microbial biostimulants, plant growth-promoting microorganisms, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), plant growth-promoting fungi (PGPF), and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), as well as the major groups of non-microbial biostimulants. Data collected from relevant scientific sources were analyzed and synthesized to present the role of beneficial microorganisms in promoting plant growth and sustainable agricultural production. Particular attention was given to the mechanisms of action of biostimulants, including nutrient uptake, phytohormone regulation, stimulation of plant growth, and activation of plant defense mechanisms. Their potential to enhance plant tolerance to abiotic stresses is particularly important, as adverse environmental conditions can significantly reduce crop productivity and are expected to become more frequent and intense under climate change. Further research should focus on advancing scientific knowledge of the mechanisms of action of biostimulants and improving their formulations based on findings from relevant scientific and experimental studies.