Agronomic use of biol and its effects on soil quality and plant growth: A narrative synthesis with bibliometric analysis

Linares-Nima L.M.; Huaytalla-Galindo B.J. · South sustainability (2026) · DOI: 10.21142/ss-0701-2026-e138

Resumen

Biol is a liquid organic fertilizer derived from the anaerobic digestion of agricultural and plant residues, and it has gained attention as a sustainable alternative to chemical-intensive fertilizers. In this article, we synthesize the available evidence on biol composition and its effects on soil quality and plant responses. A narrative review approach was adopted, supported by a systematized literature search in Scopus, SpringerLink, PubMed and SciELO, covering 2000 to 2025, complemented by targeted manual searches and citation chasing. In addition, a bibliometric keyword co-occurrence analysis was conducted in VOSviewer, using an expanded corpus of 64 related articles. The database search retrieved 5278 records. After database-specific filtering, de-duplication and the sequential screening of titles, abstracts and full texts, 15 articles from the automated, script-based pathway and 22 manually identified key studies were retained, yielding 37 studies through a PRISMA-inspired selection process. Through bibliometric mapping, we identified three dominant thematic clusters: (i) organic amendments and waste management; (ii) soil quality and biogeochemical processes; and (iii) crop response and productivity. Overall, the evidence gathered indicates that biol may improve soil physicochemical and microbiological properties and support seed germination and root and shoot development across several crops—particularly Zea mays—when applied at appropriate dilutions. However, given its highly variable composition, prior characterization and appropriate dosing is required in order to minimize agronomic and/or environmental risks. Our findings support the potential of biol for sustainable agriculture and circular waste management, while underscoring the need for more standardized reporting of composition and field performance.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos; Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina; Universidad Científica del Sur