Soil and Crop Health Promotion: Zinc and Lead Management by Biofertilization

Sustainable food production is one of the main challenges for humans in the current century. To achieve this goal, different management strategies are needed. One of the management strategies is using the right source of fertilizer, at the right time with the right method and in the right place. Biofertilizers are one of the fertilizer sources that have attracted great attention in terms of environmental, social, economic, and public health aspects. Because of their unique nature, these fertilizers are environment-friendly sources, renewable resources, and have low costs, and they are used in agriculture in the framework of integrated management of soil fertility and plant nutrition. Depending on the soil and plant conditions, as well as the purpose that is followed by the stakeholder, the type of biofertilizer will differ. Both zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb) are important elements in terms of public health; Zn is known as an essential nutrient and Pb is known as a potentially toxic heavy metal. Moreover, Zn acts like heavy metals when its concentration exceeds the optimal level. Since agriculture is the starting point of the entry of elements into the food chains and the belief in the fact that to have a healthy society, we should have healthy soil; therefore, paying attention to soil health is important. This chapter attempts to review and discuss the functions of biofertilizers on the status of Zn and Pb in the soil and plant in terms of soil and plant health promotion.