Beneficial Microbes for Crop Biofortification and Sustainable Agriculture

Empowering sustainable agriculture, this book unveils how smart microbial solutions can transform crops into nutrient-rich tools against global hidden hunger through biofortification. The book “Beneficial Microbes for Crop Biofortification and Sustainable Agriculture” is intended for a wide range of audiences engaged in agriculture, biotechnology and food security. Its main audience includes microbiological and plant science, soil and agricultural biotechnology researchers and scholars interested in an all-encompassing knowledge base of how microorganisms can aid in biofortified. This text will be particularly valuable for graduate and postgraduate students in agricultural sciences, microbiology, and environmental studies, as its comprehensive coverage will support their coursework, research initiatives, and thesis preparation. Analytical discussions of safety frameworks and policy implications are offered to policy makers and regulatory bodies in sustainable agriculture, biosafety and nutritional security. Applied knowledge can be used by industry and agribusiness professionals and specifically the individuals working with biofertilizers, microbial inoculants and sustainable farming technologies to develop products and apply them to the agriculture domain. This volume is highly relevant to NGOs, extension workers, and development agencies addressing issues of hidden hunger and sustainability, as it will present scientific principles and practical methodologies for farm-level interventions. The book “Beneficial Microbes for Crop Biofortification and Sustainable Agriculture” has been envisioned to address the interests of researchers, academia, policy-men and graduate scholars engaged in the field of agriculture, microbiology, biotechnological and food security. It addresses the growing global problem of micronutrient deficiencies also known as hidden hunger by suggesting approaches of microbial interventions to make crops nutritionally enriched by sustainable and environment-friendly means. The article bridges foundational concepts such as soil microbiome interactions and microbial physiology with applied dimensions, including inoculant development, real-world case analyses, and policy considerations. By integrating breakthrough innovations such as artificial intelligence, omics technologies, and digital farming tools, the text aligns closely with the current advancements in precision agriculture and smart farming practices. Through the integration of strict scientific research with viable solutions, the work is expected to provide practical information to both the researchers and innovation-driven agribusinesses, besides policymakers. The inter-disciplinary approach makes it not only reference reading, it also represents a strategic map on how to intensify the practice of microbial bio-fortification towards sustainable food systems and international food security.

While these existing works offer substantial scientific coverage from micronutrient biofortification to plant microbiome functionality and eco-friendly microbial applications, the proposed book brings a novel interdisciplinary blend. By incorporating chapters on AI-driven microbial genomics, machine learning for plant–microbe predictions, digital agriculture (IoT, sensors) and smart field monitoring, this work will offer both depth and forward-looking innovation. This unique fusion positions it distinctly within the competitive landscape including:
•Integration of AI and Digital Agriculture – Unlike most existing books that focus mainly on microbial mechanisms, this book uniquely incorporates AI, machine learning, IoT, and smart sensors for microbial biofortification and precision agriculture.
•Focus on Hidden Hunger and Nutrition Security – Beyond crop yield, it emphasizes combating micronutrient deficiencies (hidden hunger), connecting microbial interventions directly to human nutrition and public health.
•Practical Case Studies with Policy and Safety Insights – The book balances science with field applications, case studies, and regulatory frameworks, offering actionable guidance for researchers, industry, and policymakers.
•Interdisciplinary Approach – It bridges microbiology, biotechnology, agriculture, and data science, appealing to a broader audience (academia, industry, and government), which most competitor books treat in isolation

1. Microbial Biofortification for Nutrition and Sustainability Microbial biofortification emerges as a sustainable and environmentally friendly strategy to improve crop nutritional quality. Mitigating micronutrient deficiencies, strengthening food security, while reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers are discussed.
2. Soil Microbiome and Plant–Microbe Interactions in Nutrient Cycling This literature investigates the heterogeneity of soil microbial communities and outlines their key role in nutrient circulation. It highlights the influence of plant-microbe interactions on nutrient availability, plant uptake efficiency and overall soil health, laying foundation for the sustainable farming practices.
3. Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) in Micronutrient Biofortification The chapter focuses on the processes through which PGPR support crop nutrition including, but not limited to, nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, siderophores and plant hormones production. It demonstrates how PGPR can be used to enhance the nutritional profile, yield and productivity of crops.
4. Endophytic Microbes for Enhanced Crop Nutrition and Stress Tolerance This review investigates the dual role of endophytes in enhancing nutrient assimilation as well as conferring both abiotic and biotic stress tolerance to plants. It emphasizes their significance in promoting plant health and adaptability under changing climatic conditions, thereby contributing to sustainable agriculture.
5. Advances in Microbial Inoculants and Formulations for Agriculture This chapter will systematically explore technological advancements in the development of viable microbial inoculants, along with innovative delivery systems and carrier formulations. Strategies to enhance shelf life, stability, and field efficacy, which collectively enable scalable application of microbial formulations will be discussed.
6. Field Applications and Case Studies of Microbial Biofortification The chapter will give empirical illustration on how microbial biofortification has been applied in different crop systems under various geographical settings. It will also provide discussions of agronomic performance, the challenges that arise and the case studies that support the effectiveness of microbial interventions.
7. Safety, Regulations, and Policy Perspectives in Microbial Biofortification Critical analysis of regulatory standards, regulatory issues on biofortification of microbes and institutional solutions in relation to implementation of microbial biofortification for the benefit of both farmers as well as consumers will be discussed.
8. Digital Agriculture: IoT, Sensors, and AI for Monitoring Biofortification in Fields This chapter will highlight the implementation of digital technologies, such as IoT systems, smart sensors and artificial intelligence algorithms to measure the health of soil, its nutrient availability, and crop nutritional quality. These precision agriculture strategies will contribute towards crop biofortification.
9. Future Prospects: Converging AI, Microbes, and Sustainable Food Security This chapter will emphasize on the transformative potential of integrating AI with microbial technologies to revolutionize nutrient management and sustainable agricultural practices. Further, it will point out the deficits in research, problems and prospects of promoting the food and nutritional security in the world.

Dr. Natasha Sharma Awasthi
Dr. Imran Sheikh