Microbial extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are complex polymers composed mainly of polysaccharides, proteins, and DNA, produced by various microorganisms. These substances play crucial ecological roles, including soil aggregation, nutrient retention, and protection against environmental stresses. EPS enhance soil structure, fertility, and water retention by binding soil particles, improving moisture levels, and facilitating nutrient entrapment. They also have industrial applications due to their biocompatibility, gelling, and thickening properties. Despite extensive research, only a few EPS polymers are widely used in agriculture. This review summarizes the ecological functions of microbial EPS and their application in soil aggregation. EPS contribute to soil structure by forming a matrix that stabilizes soil particles, enhances water retention, and promotes microbial interactions. They also aid in nutrient cycling, protect against abiotic and biotic stresses, and influence plant growth. EPS production is influenced by environmental factors and microbial interactions, and their application in soils can improve soil quality and fertility. Various EPS-producing bacteria and fungi have been tested for their ability to enhance soil aggregation, with strains such as Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and Rhizobium showing significant effects. Inoculation of EPS-producing microorganisms into soils can improve soil structure, nutrient availability, and plant growth. Additionally, EPS can be directly added to soils to enhance aggregation and stability. Overall, EPS play a vital role in maintaining soil health and fertility, and their application in agriculture holds great potential for improving soil structure and productivity.Microbial extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are complex polymers composed mainly of polysaccharides, proteins, and DNA, produced by various microorganisms. These substances play crucial ecological roles, including soil aggregation, nutrient retention, and protection against environmental stresses. EPS enhance soil structure, fertility, and water retention by binding soil particles, improving moisture levels, and facilitating nutrient entrapment. They also have industrial applications due to their biocompatibility, gelling, and thickening properties. Despite extensive research, only a few EPS polymers are widely used in agriculture. This review summarizes the ecological functions of microbial EPS and their application in soil aggregation. EPS contribute to soil structure by forming a matrix that stabilizes soil particles, enhances water retention, and promotes microbial interactions. They also aid in nutrient cycling, protect against abiotic and biotic stresses, and influence plant growth. EPS production is influenced by environmental factors and microbial interactions, and their application in soils can improve soil quality and fertility. Various EPS-producing bacteria and fungi have been tested for their ability to enhance soil aggregation, with strains such as Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and Rhizobium showing significant effects. Inoculation of EPS-producing microorganisms into soils can improve soil structure, nutrient availability, and plant growth. Additionally, EPS can be directly added to soils to enhance aggregation and stability. Overall, EPS play a vital role in maintaining soil health and fertility, and their application in agriculture holds great potential for improving soil structure and productivity.