The extensive use of chemical fertilizers in modern agriculture has caused a plethora of detrimental effects on the environment and human health. In the next 26 years, the population is projected to grow by approximately 2 billion people (United Nations, 2022). This, combined with the rising global per capita food demand, indicates that by 2050, a 50% increase in current food production levels will be required to uphold existing food security standards (Baulcombe et al., 2009; World Health Organization, 2019). Chemical fertilizer usage has more than quadrupled in the past 60 years alone, will continue to grow at an increasingly rapid rate, and exacerbate the significant problems that they cause if mitigatory solutions aren’t found (Ritchie, 2021). In order to address these challenges while promoting food security, a new sustainable, effective, and economically viable method of agriculture is required. Soil health is paramount to food security and human health, as it directly influences the nutrient content and quality of crops (Das et al., 2022). Modern soil research has found that heterotrophic microorganisms capable of nitrogen fixation, mineral solubilization, and other beneficial chemical reactions play a crucial role in maintaining soil health and supporting robust plant growth (Cao et al., 2023). However, the specific bacteria required for these processes and the mixture of bacteria required for effective soil remediation are still under investigation. Although nascent, this research indicates the possibility of one day creating an artificial consortia of bacteria inspired by their unique interactions and soil remediation capabilities. 

Consortia, compared to a singular species that can only execute one unique chemical process, are both novel and revolutionary in the field of synthetic biology, as they can perform many complex functions (Sadvakasova et al., 2023). By harnessing the beneficial interactions between soil bacteria and crops, researchers aim to develop biofertilizers that enhance nutrient uptake, improve soil health, adapt to variable conditions, and increase crop yields while minimizing adverse environmental impacts (Cao et al., 2023; Devi et al., 2022; Ikhajiagbe et al., 2021; Sadvakasova et al., 2023). On a broader scale, researchers seek to develop economically viable and sustainable biofertilizers that can meet the demands of modern agriculture while protecting the environment and human health (Aqeel et al., 2023; Devi et al., 2022; Kumar & Shastri, 2017; Sadvakasova et al., 2023; Weerahewa & Dayananda, 2023). Hence, this research explores the potential of a biofertilizer, in the form of a microbial consortium of Pseudomonas fluorescens & Bacillus subtilis, as a realistic, practical, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional synthetic fertilizers.