Lactic Acid Bacteria in Sustainable Agriculture: Multifunctional Probiotics for Soil, Plant, Livestock, and Food System Resilience – A Systematic Review

Shahlaa Zernaz Ahmed ¹*, Sunehra Nawreen Mazid ¹, Sabina Sultana ¹, Sk. Adiba Tasneem ¹, Samanta Myesha Anuska ¹, Zarifah Chowdhury ¹, Md. Yasin Sharker ¹, Sumaiya Afrin Kakon ¹, Abdul Al Ruman ¹

This study determines lactic acid bacteria as eco-friendly probiotics that enhance soil, crop, and livestock health, promoting sustainable agricultural resilience.

Abstract

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), long celebrated for their roles in food fermentation, are increasingly recognized as vital contributors to sustainable agriculture. These naturally occurring probiotics not only enhance food quality but also play pivotal roles in improving soil fertility, protecting crops, and promoting livestock health. This review synthesizes current evidence from microbiology, agronomy, and veterinary science to explore the diverse applications and mechanisms of LAB within agricultural systems. A systematic analysis of peer-reviewed literature and experimental trials was conducted to examine LAB’s probiotic, biocontrol, and ecological functions across soil, plant, animal, and food environments. Results reveal that LAB improve soil structure and fertility by accelerating organic matter decomposition, solubilizing phosphorus, and balancing microbial communities. In plants, they stimulate growth, activate systemic resistance, and suppress pathogenic species such as Fusarium and Pseudomonas. In livestock systems, LAB enhance gut microbiota composition, digestion, and immune function while reducing the need for antibiotics. Furthermore, their use in food fermentation extends product shelf life and enriches nutritional value through organic acid and bacteriocin production. Collectively, these findings position LAB as eco-friendly bioagents capable of addressing pressing challenges, including soil degradation, pathogen control, and antibiotic resistance. Nonetheless, further research is required to overcome practical limitations related to strain specificity, environmental adaptability, and large-scale deployment. Integrating LAB into regenerative and organic farming frameworks offers a sustainable pathway to improve agricultural productivity, resilience, and food security worldwide.

Keywords: Lactic Acid Bacteria, Probiotics, Sustainable Farming, Soil Health, Livestock Productivity

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