Soil Ecological Traits of Trichoderma-Based Biofertilizers: Multifunctional Applications, Ecosystem Impacts, and Sustainable Innovation

Trichoderma-based biofertilizers have become one of the most widely adopted microbial technologies in modern agriculture, with applications in over 200 countries. Recognized for their ability to promote plant growth, suppress pathogens, recycle nutrients, and remediate contaminated soils, Trichoderma spp. play a multifunctional role in improving agroecosystem performance.

Their uses span seed treatment, soil amendment, foliar sprays, and compost activation. However, as adoption increases, a more holistic understanding of their interactions with soil health, microbial communities, crops, human and environmental safety is essential. While most research to date has focused on benefits (around 90%), the potential unintended impacts—such as disruption of microbial populations, enzyme-induced effects, or secondary metabolite risks—remain underexplored.

This Research Topic aims to broaden the scientific conversation around Trichoderma-based biofertilizers, balancing promising applications with critical evaluation of risks and ecological effects. We invite interdisciplinary submissions that investigate Trichoderma’s ecological roles, novel formulations, safety considerations, and long-term contributions to sustainable farming systems.

Key Themes and Topics of Interest

• Soil microbiome responses and long-term ecological effects of Trichoderma applications
• Multifunctional traits of Trichoderma spp. in plant-soil interactions (growth promotion, biocontrol, nutrient mobilization)
• Strain isolation, characterization, and formulation technologies for enhanced field performance
• Molecular, genomic, and metabolomic insights into mechanisms of action
• Synergistic or antagonistic effects with other microbial inoculants or organic amendments
• Innovative delivery systems, including encapsulation, nano-formulations, or seed coatings
• Field validation studies and case reports across varied agroecosystems
• Impact on non-target organisms and soil biodiversity, including risk mitigation approaches
• Mycotoxin production, safety evaluation, and regulatory compliance
• Socio-economic dimensions, including adoption by smallholders, scalability, and commercialization pathways


This collection will serve as a comprehensive resource on Trichoderma-based biofertilizers—highlighting innovations while addressing ecological and safety concerns. By gathering diverse insights and approaches, the collection aims to support the next generation of biofertilizer research, foster responsible use, and contribute to resilient and ecologically balanced agricultural systems.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: soil ecology, Trichoderma spp., mycotoxin, epiphyte, endophyte, rhizospheric colonization, ecological balance, biotic stress, ecological risk

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.