<i>Bacillus</i> and related genera in sustainable agriculture and their effectiveness for soil health

Rising global demand for food has led to excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, increasing yields but damaging soils, biodiversity, and microbial communities. Alternatives such as the application of beneficial bacteria could restore diminished soil health and maintain productivity without these long-term costs. Bacillus species and related genera, such as Paenibacillus and Priestia, combine several useful traits, including phosphorus solubilization, nitrogen fixation, production of growth hormones, enzyme release, and generation of antimicrobial compounds. These abilities improve nutrient use, protect plants from pathogens, and increase stress tolerance. Applied as single strains or in microbial consortia, they have consistently increased yields, improved soil health, and reduced reliance on synthetic agrochemicals. Continued work on strain optimization, consortia design and modeling, and adaptation to specific environments will further unlock their potential for sustainable agriculture.