Dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes in soil-crop systems: Mechanisms and influencing factors

Agricultural soil fertility increases when livestock manure is used as an organic fertilizer. However, it spreads antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) across agricultural land, endangering food safety and the environment. The processes of ARG diffusion in soil-crop systems were examined in the present study, along with the effects of plant root exudates and soil physicochemical characteristics. Effects of soil moisture, pH, and REDOX potential on microbial communities and ARG dynamics were analyzed, along with the ARG transfer to plants through root uptake and endophytic colonization. Furthermore, the implications of ARG dissemination for soil health, crop safety, and human health were examined, highlighting the necessity for a thorough understanding of these interactions to formulate effective ARG mitigation strategies. This review will aid future research on the long-term environmental impact of ARGs and assist in developing effective control measures to promote sustainable agricultural development and food safety.