Plant-microbe interactions in agronomic crops

Abstract

Crop nutrient management through integrated approach is an important aspect provided mainly by bio-, organic, and chemical fertilizers. However, it is widely accepted that the application of a balanced fertilizer with effective use of organic sources and beneficial microbes is key to achieving higher crop production and net return. Agronomist and agriculture scientists explore an alternative source to increase farm products with low-input cost and maintain soil health without affecting soil and plant environment. Plants obtain nutrients from two natural sources, organic matter and minerals and chemical fertilizers. Farmers only rely on chemical fertilizer which not only deteriorates quality of soil but also increases cost of production. Soil amendments and biofertilization are integrated approaches to reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers with the advantage of low cost of production. Crop response to biological fertilizers depends largely on crop species/strains of microbe and application method along with climatic conditions. It has been reported that using beneficial microbes reduces requirement of nitrogen 50-70% and increases yield up to 20%. Bacterial inoculation not only provides nitrogen, phosphorus, and growth hormones but also makes the plant healthy and less susceptible to pathogens. Using of beneficial microbes (soil application, seed inoculation and foliar application) along with the optimal dose of fertilizers has the ability to save about half of the recommended dose of chemical fertilizers.