Role of Trichoderma spp in Composting to Improve Soil Physicochemical Properties, Growth, Yield and Crop Protection: A Review

Abstract

Agriculture faces numerous challenges that limit its productivity. These constraints include declining soil fertility, the high cost of chemical fertilizers, and fungal diseases. The application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has been documented to pose various hazards, such as high pesticide residues, the bioaccumulation of toxic substances, and the accumulation of heavy metals in agricultural food products. Consequently, it is essential to find new, sustainable alternatives for fertilization and crop protection. Due to their well-documented biological control methods, Trichoderma fungi are widely used in agricultural applications, particularly in composting. Trichoderma, a cosmopolitan and opportunistic genus of ascomycete fungi, is widely used in agriculture for its beneficial properties. Trichoderma species are widespread soil fungi known for their roles in both agriculture and natural ecosystems. Tricho-compost is used as a biofertilizer, biopesticide, or plant growth promoter. It is produced by mixing a defined quantity of spores from a Trichoderma strain with measured amounts of organic materials, both animal and plant-based. The aim of this review is to synthesize the techniques for producing and using Tricho-compost in agriculture, as well as its effects on crops.