Revitalizing sub-optimal drylands: Exploring the role of biofertilizers

Abstract Indonesia has a dry land area of 79.69%, with low soil productivity (physical, chemical, and biological), as well uneven unpredictable rainfall. The dryland potential is optimally utilized using biofertilizers that can produce microbes to increase fertility. This research aims determine the effects on improvement crop production. study was conducted from February May 2021 in Central Java, Indonesia. Using randomized block design peanut cultivation. Six (Controlled, Agrimeth, BioNutrient, Gliocompost, Agrimeth + BioNutrient Gliocompost) were applied four replications. performance each biofertilizer assessed based chemical parameters, microbe population, plant growth, yields. belonged Inceptisols group exhibited moderately acidic pH, organic carbon content, nitrogen levels. However, it had high available phosphorus, moderate potassium. Gliocompost increased phosphate by 12 19%, respectively, due presence Pseudomonas fluorescens Aspergillus sp. influenced population Azospirillum (45–63%) enhanced phosphate-solubilizing bacteria. promoted growth Trichoderma populations (17–18%), resulting 45.04% profits. Biofertilizer inoculation positively affected development, root nodule formation, yield. novelty showed improving conditions, increasing productivity, contributing sustainable agriculture long term.