Chapter 22 - Halophilic microbial bioformulations for bioremediation of salt-affected soils

Abstract

Microbial strains available as biofertilizers for different crops do not perform effectively under salt stress and their activity decreases when used in salt-affected soils due to osmolysis. Halophilic plant growth-promoting microbes have potential to ameliorate salt-affected soils by directly supporting the growth of vegetation and thus indirectly increasing crop yields under salt stress. Presently, the researchers stress on amelioration of salt-affected soils using microbes, which enhances growth and yield and helps in the recovery of these degraded lands. An attempt was therefore being made to isolate and characterize halophilic bacteria from native salt-affected soils and to screen the isolates that have the potential for nutrient mobilization under stress. The potential isolates were cultured in the laboratory and were prepared in suitable standardized media as liquid bioformulations, viz., Halo-Azo, Halo-PSB, Halo-Zinc, and Halo-Mix for using in different crops under saline and sodic soils. This chapter focuses on the use of halophilic plant growth-promoting microbes and their inoculation in plants to alleviate salt stress. Information on the development of bioformulations of potential halophilic bacteria, which improves crop growth and yields in salt-affected soil will help in developing bioremediation strategy for the reclamation and management of saline and sodic soils.