Compositions and methods for improving plant growth and abiotic stress tolerance

A microbial inoculant biofertilizer composition comprising at least one microbial strain selected from P. aspalathi WSF14 comprising a nucleic acid sequence having at least 98% identity to SEQ ID NO:

• 1, and P. aspalathi WSF23 comprising a nucleic acid sequence having at least 98% identity to SEQ ID NO:
• 2, and at least one non-naturally occurring agent, wherein the agent is least one of a cell protectant, an inert, a carrier, an emulsifier, a surfactant and a polymeric matrix, wherein the at least one microbial strain is present at an effective amount to promote plant health, plant nutrition, and/or soil health in the presence of said agent.