The paper reviews the progress in the use of microbial fertilizers, particularly those derived from plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPR), to regulate crop growth and enhance soil remediation. Microbial fertilizers are environmentally friendly and can improve soil health by promoting nutrient cycling and enhancing crop resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. The review covers the classification of microbial fertilizers, their functions in regulating crop growth, and their role in soil remediation. Key mechanisms include nitrogen fixation, phosphorus and potassium solubilization, phytohormone production, and iron carrier production. PGPR also help crops resist biotic stresses such as pests and pathogens, and abiotic stresses like drought, salt, and heavy metal contamination. The paper highlights the potential of microbial fertilizers in sustainable agriculture and discusses future perspectives and challenges, emphasizing the need for further research to optimize their application and commercialization.The paper reviews the progress in the use of microbial fertilizers, particularly those derived from plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPR), to regulate crop growth and enhance soil remediation. Microbial fertilizers are environmentally friendly and can improve soil health by promoting nutrient cycling and enhancing crop resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. The review covers the classification of microbial fertilizers, their functions in regulating crop growth, and their role in soil remediation. Key mechanisms include nitrogen fixation, phosphorus and potassium solubilization, phytohormone production, and iron carrier production. PGPR also help crops resist biotic stresses such as pests and pathogens, and abiotic stresses like drought, salt, and heavy metal contamination. The paper highlights the potential of microbial fertilizers in sustainable agriculture and discusses future perspectives and challenges, emphasizing the need for further research to optimize their application and commercialization.