International Journal of Environment and Climate Change

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production requires nutrient-management strategies that sustain productivity and grain quality while addressing declining soil fertility and variable environmental conditions. This narrative review examines the individual and potential integrated roles of microbial consortia and nano-fertilisers in sustainable wheat cultivation. The reviewed literature indicates that functionally complementary microorganisms can support biological nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilisation, potassium and micronutrient mobilisation, root development and rhizosphere activity. Nano-fertilisers, including nano-urea, nano-DAP and micronutrient formulations, may improve nutrient delivery, regulate nutrient release and contribute to nutrient-use efficiency when used appropriately. The combination of biological nutrient mobilisation and nano-enabled nutrient supply offers a conceptual basis for more coordinated nutrient management. However, responses depend on microbial compatibility, formulation properties, application rates, soil conditions, crop genotype and environmental variability. Evidence for consistent benefits from directly integrated microbial–nano treatments in wheat remains limited, and favourable results from either technology alone cannot establish synergistic effects. Nano-fertilisers should therefore be evaluated as potential supplements to balanced basal fertilisation rather than universal substitutes. Further research requires comparative, multi-location field studies and long-term assessment of soil biological activity, nutrient losses, grain nutritional quality, environmental safety and economic feasibility. Standardised approaches to consortium selection, formulation assessment and agronomic evaluation could help clarify the suitability of integrated systems for sustainable wheat nutrient management.