Abstract
In order to achieve a desirable ecological and sustainable agriculture a thorough understanding of the plant-soil mycobiome is imperative. Commercial industrial agriculture alters greenhouse gas emissions, promotes loss of plant and soil biodiversity, increases pollution by raising atmospheric CO2, and releases pesticides, thus affecting both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Diversified farming systems, including perennial cultivated pastures, are among worldwide strategies that aim to reduce terrestrial greenhouse gas emissions and deal with threats to global sustainability. Additionally, stimulation of soil microbes and appropriate soil management can influence soil interactions as well as the rates of organic matter decomposition and the release of gases. Agricultural soil microbial communities play a central role in ecosystem processes and are affected by biocontrol agents, biofertilizers, and exposure to pesticides, the extent to which is yet to be fully elucidated. Intercropping different plant species is beneficial, as this can increase carbon fixation by plants, transferring carbon to the soil, especially via mycorrhizas, thus modifying interplant interactions. This review focuses on agro-ecosystems, showing the latest advances in the plant-soil interface (the mycobiome) for an eco-efficient agricultural production.
Highlights
Research on soil mycobiome [1], phytobiome, or plant microbiome is currently increasing along with increased interest on the mycorrhizosphere [2]
New projects dealing with plant rhizosphere and the associated microbiota have been proposed, as most plants associate with microorganisms in a mutually beneficial way; for example, one plant species can host different species of endophytes and root symbionts, among other interactions [4]
Agriculture 2017, 7, 14 and high biodiversity can be found in particular ecosystems [5], we do not understand yet the complexity of microorganisms present in these interactions and their roles, including the association between arbuscular mycorrhizas (AMs) hyphae, and soil microbiota, in the “Hyphosphere”
Summary
Research on soil mycobiome [1], phytobiome, or plant microbiome is currently increasing along with increased interest on the mycorrhizosphere [2]. Attention to the fungal communities (mycobiomes) and information on environmental biodiversity is required for policy and decision makers [3]. Soil micro-organisms have diverse distribution patterns, Agriculture 2017, 7, 14; doi:10.3390/agriculture7020014 www.mdpi.com/journal/agriculture. Agriculture 2017, 7, 14 and high biodiversity can be found in particular ecosystems [5], we do not understand yet the complexity of microorganisms present in these interactions and their roles, including the association between arbuscular mycorrhizas (AMs) hyphae, and soil microbiota, in the “Hyphosphere”. Soil micro-organisms have diverse distribution patterns, and that high biodiversity can be found in particular ecosystems [5]; understanding the processes underlying the plant microbial interactions both in natural and Agriculture 2017, 7, 14 semi-natural ecosystems is of crucial importance [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
