Prospecting microbial biofilms as climate smart strategies for improving plant and soil health: A review
Section snippets
INTRODUCTION
Agricultural growth is the most effective and equitable strategy for reducing poverty and increasing food security, but it is greatly influenced by variations in climate and other environmental factors, which can adversely affect plant growth, yields, soil fertility, and the abundance and diversity of microflora and microfaunal communities. It is well-established that net agricultural production can be affected by climate change, particularly, as a result of the accumulation of high
Abiotic factors—Elevated CO2, temperature, and water stress
Changes in climatic factors affect plant growth and physiology and have a direct impact on soil quality; thus, they affect the diversity and functioning of microbial communities. Several studies have shown that elevated CO2 may bring about changes in plant architecture, physiology, and species diversity, which can directly or indirectly modulate soil/rhizosphere biota and activity (Grüter et al., 2006; Lesaulnier et al., 2008). Changes in plant phenology modify root exudate production and
CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURE
Climate-smart agriculture refers to expanding the flexibility of agricultural practices to account for the unusual and extreme weather patterns elicited by climate change. It can be undertaken by developing agricultural cropping frameworks that are beneficially versatile and dynamic and that respond positively to environmental changes. Such options either directly aid in reducing the greenhouse gas emissions associated with agriculture, or indirectly provide means to judiciously manage farms in
CASE STUDIES ON THE USE OF MICROBIAL BIOFILMS AS INOCULANTS IN AGRICULTURE
A large number of investigations across multiple crops have been undertaken using laboratory-constructed/naturally occurring biofilms as inoculants, mainly as biofertilizers, plant growth-promoting biocontrol agents, and bioremediation options. A comprehensive summary of the functional roles and underlying mechanisms of microbial biofilms in agriculture and the environment under climate change scenarios is depicted in Fig. 2.
Reducing gaseous emissions and their sequestration
Agricultural food production along with imposed changes in land use has contributed significantly to GHG emissions (Friel et al., 2009). These GHGs are produced at all stages of the food production system, beginning at farming and its inputs, up to the consumption and disposal of wastes (Garnett, 2008). Agriculture alone accounts for 10%–12% of global GHG emissions, while changes in land use patterns such as deforestation, overgrazing, and the conversion of pastures to arable land potential
CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE OUTLOOK
Agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides help boost crop yields and manage pests/diseases in agriculture. However, their long-term use has led to environmental pollution and ecological imbalance, leading to a resurgence of pests/diseases, apart from related health hazards. An urgent need exists for a sustainable and effective technology to improve crop nutrition and control pests/diseases, without compromising crop yields and soil health. Microbial
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The research findings reported in this review were obtained with partial financial support from the Network Project on Microorganisms—Applications of Microorganisms in Agriculture and Allied Sectors granted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, to Dr. Radha Prasanna. The authors are thankful to the Division of Microbiology, ICAR, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, for making available the facilities essential for undertaking this review.
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