Effects of Amino Acid Fertilizers on Plant Growth, Crop Productivity and Soil Health: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Amino acid-based fertilizers represent a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers, offering benefits such as enhanced plant growth, improved nutrient uptake, and soil health. This review systematically synthesizes current research on their benefits and limitations, while identifying key factors that influence their effectiveness in sustainable agriculture. This systematic review, conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, analyzed 19 peer-reviewed studies published from 2020 to 2025 to evaluate the effects of amino acid fertilizers on crop productivity and soil properties. Articles were selected through a screening process from Scopus and ScienceDirect databases, applying defined inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure relevance. Fertilizers containing amino acids, whether derived from organic waste materials or formulated as commercial products, have shown significant potential to enhance plant nutrient uptake, vegetative growth, yield, and stress tolerance. Their effectiveness is influenced by application method, dosage, crop type, and environmental conditions. While generally promoting photosynthesis, phytohormone activity, and soil nutrient availability, excessive use may result in reduced efficiency or phytotoxic effects, emphasizing the need for optimized management strategies. Overall, amino acid-based fertilizers offer considerable promise for improving nutrient use efficiency and crop performance, though further research is required to support their broader implementation in sustainable agriculture.