Interactions in soil-microbe-plant system: Adaptation to stressed agriculture

Abstract

The intensive use of agrochemicals, increasing population, and imprudent anthropogenic activities impose a great concern in the society about the food safety in all over the world. Considering the climate change with increasing temperature, drought, flooding, etc., it becomes clear that new solutions are needed in agriculture. The present review paper focuses on the contribution of plant growth-promoting microbial populations in changing agro-ecosystems. The importance of each partner in soil-microbe-plant interactions is vital for the system that functions as a well-oiled machine in an optimum estate, while in stress conditions additional actions are needed to maintain a good operation. The microbes that are defined as growth promoters possess different tools that alleviate the stress with abiotic or biotic origin in agriculture. A combination of correct plant variety, good soil conditions, and the right microbial populations could offer a favorable environment to obtain increased and safety plant production. Here are discussed several important subjects of the soil-microbe-plant interactions that are vital for good estate from an agricultural point of view. First part of the chapter treats the interactions in rhizosphere, root exudates and general role of beneficial microorganisms, while in the second part the discussion is focused on the tools of microbial populations regulating plant nutrient supply and pathogen suppression. Finally, the formulation, production, and commercialization of biofertilizers are very actual and important aspects for the practitioners and agriculturists. It is debated in the last section of the present review chapter.