Beneficial Soil Microbiomes and Their Potential Role in Plant Growth and Soil Fertility

Abstract

The soil microbiome plays an important role in maintaining soil health, plant productivity, and soil ecosystem services. Current molecular-based studies have shed light on the fact that the soil microbiome has been quantitatively underestimated. In addition to metagenomic studies, metaproteomics and metatranscriptomic studies that target the functional part of the microbiome are becoming more common. These are important for a better understanding of the functional role of the microbiome and for deciphering plant-microbe interactions. Free-living beneficial bacteria that promote plant growth by colonizing plant roots are called plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs). They exert their beneficial effects in different ways, either by facilitating the uptake of nutrients and synthesizing particular compounds for plants or by preventing and protecting plants from diseases. A better understanding of plant-microbe interactions in both natural and agroecosystems will offer us a biotechnological tool for managing soil fertility and obtaining a high-yield food production system.