Agricultural intensification in Indonesia has largely depended on inorganic fertilizers to meet the food demands of its rapidly growing population. However, this reliance has resulted in severe environmental challenges including soil degradation, diminished soil fertility, and pollution from chemical fertilizers. Biofertilizers, which utilize beneficial microorganisms to promote plant growth and soil health, offer a sustainable alternative for agriculture. This article presents a comprehensive overview of biofertilizers in Indonesia, through bibliometric analysis and literature review examining their development, current status, and effectiveness. It categorizes different types of biofertilizers, such as nitrogen-fixing bacteria, phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms, mycorrhizal fungi, water fern Azolla, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, and biofertilizers, based on local knowledge, assessing their role in improving soil health and crop productivity. The review highlights that biofertilizers enhance soil properties by increasing nutrient availability, organic matter content, and microbial activity. Studies show that crops treated with biofertilizers demonstrate better growth, higher yields, and greater resilience to stress compared to those reliant on chemical fertilizers. The use of microorganisms like Azospirillum, Rhizobium, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas has significantly improved soil nitrogen and phosphorus levels, contributing to better root development and plant health. Despite these advantages, the adoption of biofertilizers in Indonesia is hindered by challenges such as inconsistent results in the field, limited farmer awareness, and inadequate infrastructure for production and distribution. To address these barriers, the article suggests strategies including farmer education, the development of region-specific strains, and inclusive government policies. It also underscores the importance of enhancing research and development as well as improving distribution networks to ensure the quality and accessibility. In conclusion, biofertilizers have substantial role to support eco-friendly sustainable agriculture in Indonesia. By addressing current obstacles through targeted interventions,widespread adoption can be achieved, leading to improved soil health, higher crop productivity, and reduced environmental impact,—the key factors for ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability and food security in Indonesia.
Keywords: bibliometric, biofertilizers, future prospect, policy, soil health
Agricultural intensification in Indonesia has largely depended on inorganic fertilizers to meet the food demands of its rapidly growing population. However, this reliance has resulted in severe environmental challenges including soil degradation, diminished soil fertility, and pollution from chemical fertilizers. Biofertilizers, which utilize beneficial microorganisms to promote plant growth and soil health, offer a sustainable alternative for agriculture. This article presents a comprehensive overview of biofertilizers in Indonesia, through bibliometric analysis and literature review examining their development, current status, and effectiveness. It categorizes different types of biofertilizers, such as nitrogen-fixing bacteria, phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms, mycorrhizal fungi, water fern Azolla, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, and biofertilizers, based on local knowledge, assessing their role in improving soil health and crop productivity. The review highlights that biofertilizers enhance soil properties by increasing nutrient availability, organic matter content, and microbial activity. Studies show that crops treated with biofertilizers demonstrate better growth, higher yields, and greater resilience to stress compared to those reliant on chemical fertilizers. The use of microorganisms like Azospirillum, Rhizobium, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas has significantly improved soil nitrogen and phosphorus levels, contributing to better root development and plant health. Despite these advantages, the adoption of biofertilizers in Indonesia is hindered by challenges such as inconsistent results in the field, limited farmer awareness, and inadequate infrastructure for production and distribution. To address these barriers, the article suggests strategies including farmer education, the development of region-specific strains, and inclusive government policies. It also underscores the importance of enhancing research and development as well as improving distribution networks to ensure the quality and accessibility. In conclusion, biofertilizers have substantial role to support eco-friendly sustainable agriculture in Indonesia. By addressing current obstacles through targeted interventions,widespread adoption can be achieved, leading to improved soil health, higher crop productivity, and reduced environmental impact,—the key factors for ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability and food security in Indonesia.
Keywords: bibliometric, biofertilizers, future prospect, policy, soil health