Exploring soil microbiota and their role in plant growth, stress tolerance, disease control and nutrient immobilizer

Abstract

Agriculture and the human population have historically thrived together; however, the exponential growth of the human population has now surpassed the capacity of natural resources to meet global food demands. Current agricultural practices are increasingly compromising environmental and ecosystem health. Traditionally, agricultural practices aimed to maximize output with minimal input. However, the relentless drive for higher production, coupled with resource overuse and an insatiable demand for increased yields, has initiated a detrimental cycle, ultimately resulting in the need for increased inputs. This cycle includes diminishing returns, increased input demands, environmental degradation, and a perpetual escalation of input requirements. Specifically, higher input use leads to the repeated application of chemical fertilizers to enhance yields and the expansion of farmland at the cost of natural habitats. This expansion also involves extensive pesticide use to combat diseases, resulting in significant biodiversity loss. To address the rising demands while mitigating health concerns and striving for sustainable agriculture, researchers propose an integrated solution: the use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) alongside traditional agrochemicals. Utilizing PGPR in a balanced manner as both bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides offers a holistic approach to sustainable agriculture. This strategy enhances stress tolerance, promotes growth, increases yields, serves as a biocontrol agent, suppresses diseases, and immobilizes nutrients, all while being eco-friendly. However, bridging the gap between research, formulation, and commercialization of PGPR remains essential for its successful application in agriculture. A comprehensive understanding of microbial ecology, metatranscriptomics, biotechnology, and rhizo-engineering is proposed to optimize the efficacy of these bio-products to their fullest potential.