<p>Globally, large quantities of crop residues are generated, yet their efficient utilization is constrained by slow decomposition, especially in residues with high lignin content and wide carbon-to-nitrogen (C: N) ratios. This often results in open-field burning, degrading soil health and environmental quality. The present study evaluated the addition of lignocellulolytic microbial consortia and single super phosphate (SSP) to accelerate the decomposition of diverse crop residues and enhance soil nutrient availability and maize productivity.&#xa0;A pot experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with 12 treatments replicated three times. Treatments included maize stover, rice straw, cotton stalks, and sunhemp residues, applied either alone, or with a microbial consortium or SSP. Lignocellulosic degradation and soil nutrient availability were analyzed, and their relationship with maize productivity was assessed.Treatments with microbial consortia exhibited significantly enhanced residue decomposition compared to residues alone. The greatest reductions in lignin (74.8%), cellulose (81.1%), hemicellulose (83.6%), and protein (90.9%) occurred in sunhemp residue with microbial consortium (T₈). This treatment also recorded the highest soil available N (153&#xa0;kg ha^− 1), P (61&#xa0;kg ha^− 1), and K (332&#xa0;kg ha^− 1). Grain yield under T₈ reached 5.03 t ha^− 1, representing a 19% increase over maize stover (T₃). Strong negative correlations (<i>r</i> = − 0.81 to − 0.85; <i>p &lt;</i> 0.001) were observed between lignocellulosic fractions and yield.&#xa0;Integrating crop residues with lignocellulolytic microbial consortia and SSP can significantly improve decomposition efficiency, soil nutrient status, and maize productivity, offering a viable alternative to open-field residue burning.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>