This review discusses the role of microbial fertilizers in promoting crop growth and soil remediation. Microbial fertilizers, derived from plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPR), are environmentally friendly and can enhance soil nutrient dynamics, improve soil microbial communities, and promote nutrient uptake and crop resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. The review classifies microbial fertilizers into three categories: bio-organic fertilizer, microbial agents, and complex microbial fertilizer. Bio-organic fertilizer combines organic matter with beneficial microorganisms, while microbial agents include inoculants with specific functions. Complex microbial fertilizer integrates various beneficial bacteria and microorganisms. Microbial fertilizers regulate crop growth through mechanisms such as nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, potassium solubilization, and phytohormone production. They also help crops resist environmental stresses by producing secondary metabolites, iron carriers, and other compounds that enhance plant growth and resistance. Additionally, microbial fertilizers contribute to soil remediation by reducing heavy metal toxicity, improving soil health, and promoting the degradation of pollutants. The review highlights the potential of microbial fertilizers in sustainable agriculture, emphasizing their role in reducing chemical fertilizer use and promoting environmental sustainability. However, challenges such as the need for suitable carriers and the impact of microbial activities on soil ecosystems remain. Future research should focus on optimizing microbial fertilizer application and addressing these challenges to enhance their effectiveness in agricultural systems. Overall, microbial fertilizers offer a promising approach for sustainable crop production and soil health improvement.This review discusses the role of microbial fertilizers in promoting crop growth and soil remediation. Microbial fertilizers, derived from plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPR), are environmentally friendly and can enhance soil nutrient dynamics, improve soil microbial communities, and promote nutrient uptake and crop resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. The review classifies microbial fertilizers into three categories: bio-organic fertilizer, microbial agents, and complex microbial fertilizer. Bio-organic fertilizer combines organic matter with beneficial microorganisms, while microbial agents include inoculants with specific functions. Complex microbial fertilizer integrates various beneficial bacteria and microorganisms. Microbial fertilizers regulate crop growth through mechanisms such as nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, potassium solubilization, and phytohormone production. They also help crops resist environmental stresses by producing secondary metabolites, iron carriers, and other compounds that enhance plant growth and resistance. Additionally, microbial fertilizers contribute to soil remediation by reducing heavy metal toxicity, improving soil health, and promoting the degradation of pollutants. The review highlights the potential of microbial fertilizers in sustainable agriculture, emphasizing their role in reducing chemical fertilizer use and promoting environmental sustainability. However, challenges such as the need for suitable carriers and the impact of microbial activities on soil ecosystems remain. Future research should focus on optimizing microbial fertilizer application and addressing these challenges to enhance their effectiveness in agricultural systems. Overall, microbial fertilizers offer a promising approach for sustainable crop production and soil health improvement.