Reducing Soil Salinity In Cotton Cultivation Through Biofertilizers

Soil salinity is one of the most persistent constraints affecting cotton productivity in arid and semi-arid regions, particularly under irrigated agricultural systems. Excessive accumulation of soluble salts in the root zone disrupts soil structure, limits water and nutrient uptake, and weakens plant physiological processes, ultimately leading to significant yield reductions. In recent years, biofertilizers have gained increasing attention as an environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional chemical inputs for salinity management. This article provides an in-depth analytical review of the role of biofertilizers in reducing soil salinity in cotton cultivation. Special emphasis is placed on the biological mechanisms through which beneficial microorganisms improve soil aggregation, regulate sodium toxicity, enhance rhizosphere activity, and strengthen plant tolerance to salinity stress. Furthermore, the synergistic effects of biofertilizers when combined with organic amendments and modern irrigation practices are critically examined. The analysis demonstrates that biofertilizer-based approaches not only contribute to the gradual desalinization of soils but also promote long-term soil fertility, ecological stability, and sustainable cotton production.