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Pedosphere 36(1): 302--316, 2026
ISSN 1002-0160/CN 32-1315/P
©2026 Soil Science Society of China
Published by Elsevier B.V. and Science Press

Microbial metabolites—a sustainable solution for agricultural challenges: A review

Rajat SINGH¹, Priyanka SONI², Rajul JAIN³, Akash CHAUHAN⁴, Rahul KUMAR⁵, Divya GUNSOLA⁵, Sourav CHATTARAJ⁶, Sergio de los SANTOS-VILLALOBOS⁷, Debasis MITRA⁵

, Ashish GAUR⁸

¹ Department of Biotechnology, Invertis University, Bareilly, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 243123 (India);
² Nims School of Forensic Sciences, NIMS University, Jaipur, Rajasthan 303121 (India);
³ Department of Zoology, Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282005 (India);
⁴ Department of Forensic Science, College of Paramedical Science, Teerthankar Mahaveer University, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh 244001 (India);
⁵ Department of Microbiology, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), 566/6, Bell Road, Clement Town, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248002 (India);
⁶ Centre for Industrial Biotechnology Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Kalinga Nagar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751003 (India);
⁷ Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora, 5 de febrero 818 sur, Ciudad Obregon 85000 (Mexico);
⁸ Department of Biotechnology, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), 566/6, Bell Road, Clement Town, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248002 (India)

ABSTRACT

Agriculture, which serves as the foundation of human civilization, faces threats from multiple sources, including pests, soil erosion, and unpredictable weather patterns. These challenges can affect agricultural productivity, food security, and environmental sustainability. Among the solutions, microbial metabolites can provide hope. These secondary metabolites are naturally produced by microorganisms during metabolism and consist of a broad range of compounds with varied roles, acting as biofertilizers, biopesticides, and plant growth promoters and thereby assuring sustainable agriculture. These metabolites help to liberate nutrients and improve soil structure. They are also important biocontrol agents for reducing plant pathogens and pests. These metabolites are essential for nutrient cycling, soil fertility, and crop productivity. There are many advantages to using microbial metabolites in agriculture, such as low dependence on chemical pesticides and fertilizers, increased crop productivity, and improved crop health. The challenges of production, formulation, consistency, and regulatory framework must be resolved before the microbial metabolites can be widely accepted. The future of agriculture will be shaped by advancements in microbial metabolite research, integrated with cutting-edge agricultural technologies and supported by aligned administrative policies. In summary, it is well established that microbial metabolites possess the capacity that significantly transform agriculture. Integrating the inherent potential of natural solutions can help create more sustainable and resilient agricultural systems that can protect food security, promote environmental sustainability, and ensure the future of future generations.

Citation: Singh R, Soni P, Jain R, Chauhan A, Kumar R, Gunsola D, Chattaraj S, de los Santos-Villalobos S, Mitra D, Gaur A. 2026. Microbial metabolites—a sustainable solution for agricultural challenges: A review. Pedosphere. 36(1): 302-316.

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