Bibliometric Analysis on the Use of Microorganism-Based Biofertilizers for the Growth and Yield of Agricultural Crops

Abstract

Biofertilisers based on microorganisms can improve the soil environment, contribute greatly to the growth and sustainable production of crops, benefiting the environment and the quality of human life. The objective of the research was to conduct a bibliometric analysis on the use of microorganism-based biofertilisers for agricultural crop growth and yield from January 2011 to September 2021. Data was collected from the Scopus and Web of Science databases, and processed using VOSviewer software for the generation of bibliometric maps. The analysis was based on 1245 research studies and the results showed that the most widely used types of microorganism-based biofertilisers for agricultural crops are nitrogen-fixing biofertilisers such as Azotobacter, Rhizobium and Azospirillum sp. In both databases, India and China were the first countries in the world to publish studies related to the topic. In addition, it was found that Aspergillus flavus biofertiliser (phosphate solubiliser) at a dose of 4 ml/kg effectively promoted the growth and yield of maize (Zea mays). The journal with the highest scientific output was "Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences" and the subject area with the most publications was "Agricultural and Biological Sciences". It was concluded that biofertilisers based on microorganisms can be used in agricultural systems to improve growth, yield and nutrient accumulation in various crops.