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Biofertiliser is considered a promising biofortification intervention that can integrate with plant breeding as well as agronomic measures to overcome malnutrition in regions where the staple diet is cereal. This study was conducted to improve maize (Zea mays L.) productivity and biofortification with zinc (Zn) through the application of Zn-solubilising biofertilisers. Four pre-isolated, promising Zn-solubilising Bacillus strains, Bacillus sp. ZM20, B. aryabhattai ZM31, B. aryabhattai S10 and B. subtilis ZM63, were coated on maize seeds by forming slurry-based sole- and co-inoculated biofertilisers. The treated maize seeds were grown in a spring season (Trial I) and the experiment was repeated the following year on the same field (Trial II). The seed-applied co-inoculated Bacillus biofertiliser formulations significantly promoted antioxidant enzyme activities (ascorbate peroxidase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase), growth and yield attributes, and nutrient accumulation in maize grains during both field trials compared with sole-inoculated biofertiliser formulations. Application of ZM31–ZM63 biofertiliser formulation showed a greater increase in these attributes than other biofertiliser formulations, as well as an increase in grain iron (Fe) concentration (up to 1.69-fold in Trial I and 1.77-fold in Trial II) and Zn concentration (up to 1.50-fold in Trial I and 1.41-fold in Trial II) relative to the uninoculated control. Fe and Zn concentrations in maize grains resulting from the application of seed-based Bacillus biofertiliser formulations could fulfill the minimum required level of these nutrients for daily intake. From the study, recommendation can be made to apply Zn-solubilising bioinoculants for the biofortification of maize grains to overcome malnutrition issues in regions with cereal-based staple diets.

•The study addresses the pressing issue of copper (Cu) stress in contaminated soils, which severely hampers okra growth and production, highlighting the need for innovative solutions in agriculture.•The manuscript introduces an innovative approach by inoculating okra seeds with Bacillus subtilis and incorporating farmyard manure (FYM) as potential tools to mitigate Cu toxicity in okra plants.•The research explores a wide range of treatments, encompassing various Cu levels and combinations with B. subtilis and FYM, providing a comprehensive analysis of their effects on okra growth and soil properties.•Findings demonstrate a significant decline in okra production and adverse changes in soil physiological properties upon the addition of Cu to the soil, underscoring the severity of Cu stress in agricultural systems.•The study highlights how the combined application of B. subtilis and FYM positively influences soil properties by stimulating microbial activities, increasing nutrient availability, and promoting the production of growth hormones, ultimately improving overall crop performance.

•Sole application of Azospirillum brasilense is more beneficial as compared to the sole application of bentonite.•Bentonite application at 10 g kg-1 of soil is more beneficial for the wheat crop growth and soil fertility status as compared to the bentonite application at 5 g kg-1 of soil.•Co-application of Azospirillum brasilense and bentonite increases the grain yield, LAI, and Stomatal conductance.